Senators of the US Congress, who signed a letter sharply criticizing the plans of the Georgian authorities to adopt a law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence”, incorrectly perceive its content, Irakli Garibashvili, President, told reporters in April of the ruling Georgian Dream party. 27.
On April 26, a letter signed by 14 senators-congressmen was published. He claims that if the foreign agents law is passed in Georgia, the United States will be forced to reconsider its policy toward Georgia, refuse to provide financial assistance and expand the ban on entry visas to the United States for Georgian citizens.
“I would like us to have fewer misunderstandings with our strategic partners and friends, and if there is any ambiguity or misunderstanding, then we should discuss it behind closed doors. As for the letter, of course, it is very sad; perhaps the content and pathos of this letter were determined based on incorrect ideas.”Garibashvili said.
According to him, the Georgian authorities must convince the US and the EU that Georgia is not doing anything unusual and does not plan to deviate from the path of European integration.
“Georgia’s foreign policy is guaranteed at the level of the Constitution, this was stated by the Government of Georgia, our team. Based on this, the conversation that our government intends to change the external vector is excluded.”“concluded the head of Georgia’s ruling party.
He also expressed confidence that misunderstandings and ambiguity that have arisen in Georgia’s relations with the US and the EU will be eliminated.
Recall that in March 2023, the ruling Georgian Dream party had to abandon the adoption of the law on foreign agents, which involves the creation of a register of non-governmental organizations and media outlets whose annual budget is financed by more than 20 percent . from abroad. The bill did not involve prohibitions or sanctions. This was preceded by riots that broke out during protests against the passage of the law and pressure from Western politicians.
In April 2024, the ruling party decided to resubmit the bill to parliament and it has already been approved in the first reading. In Georgia, multi-day protests by NGOs against the bill continue.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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