“The Georgian government’s recent decision to suspend its EU accession negotiations coupled with the passage of the so-called “foreign agents law” has laid bare what we have long suspected: this government has shown no interest in pursuing the Euro-Atlantic ambitions of its citizens. As the Georgian people have taken to the streets to protest this betrayal of their hopes and dreams, the Georgian government has responded with violent beatings and arrests of protestors, opposition figures, and journalists. We wholeheartedly condemn these actions which undermine Georgia’s prosperous, democratic, and European future.
In response to the Georgian government’s actions, we support the suspension of the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership. Further, we believe the U.S. must impose additional targeted financial sanctions and visa restrictions against Georgian officials who undermine democracy in the country and have facilitated the violent crackdown against protesters, civil society, opposition figures, and journalists. These actions are in direct response to the Georgian government’s decisions, which have unsurprisingly received praise from the Kremlin.
Should the Georgian government reverse course and once again pursue the transatlantic ambitions of its citizens, we stand ready to take concrete actions to strengthen our bilateral relationship with Georgia. These potential measures would not just be symbolic statements of goodwill – they would be significant investments in a bilateral relationship based on shared values. Yet, they require action by the Georgian government. While our support for the Georgian people’s pursuit of democracy will not cease, absent a change of course from the Georgian government, the U.S.-Georgia relationship will continue to needlessly suffer.”