Washington could reconsider its relations with Tbilisi if a law on foreign agents is passed in Georgia, according to a letter signed by 14 members of the US Senate, published on April 26 on the US legislative body’s website.
“If this law is passed, we will be forced to contribute to a change in US policy towards Georgia”said the authors of the appeal.
They noted that this could lead, among other things, to the imposition of sanctions against those responsible for “undermining” democracy in Georgia and for “containment” its pro-Western course. Senators also threatened to review U.S. financial aid and expand the ban on entry visas into the country.
According to the senators, such consequences will be inevitable, since the adoption of the law on foreign agents will mean that Tbilisi will consider Western partners. “malicious players”. This will also be proof to the Georgian people that the Georgian government refuses to join the EU, the letter says.
The senators also refute the Georgian authorities’ claim that the foreign agents bill is similar to the foreign agents law in force in the United States.
Recall that on April 17, the Georgian parliament approved the draft law on foreign agents in its first reading. If this law is approved, organizations that receive more than 20% of their income from abroad must declare expenses. Opponents of the law have been holding protests in Tbilisi since April 15. They call the bill “Russian” and say its adoption will prevent Georgia from joining the EU.
It’s also worth noting that there are 100 seats in the US Senate.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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