Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called opposition statements on May 10 about a shift in Georgia’s foreign policy toward rapprochement with Russia speculation, he told reporters.
The Georgian parliament, in the second reading, approved the law “On the transparency of foreign influence”, which the pro-Western Georgian opposition and Western politicians call “Russian”. The opposition also accuses the Georgian government of working for the benefit of Russia. The US State Department has repeatedly stated that the US will reconsider relations with Georgia and reduce funding if the Georgian law on foreign agents is passed.
“Statements about a course of rapprochement with Russia are speculation”Kobakhidze said.
He added that his goal is to deepen relations with the EU and the United States, and that Georgia’s foreign policy is written in the country’s constitution: integration into the European Union and NATO.
“With regard to the United States, we would have a request to introduce a visa-free regime for our citizens, sign a free trade agreement and also start direct air traffic between the two countries. As for the European Union, our call is to start negotiations on Georgia’s membership in the EU.”Kobakhidze said.
Also read: The head of the Georgian parliament refused to meet with the delegation of EU countries
Recall that on May 1, the parliament of Georgia adopted in second reading the law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence”, which provides for the annual submission of financial statements for non-governmental organizations and media outlets with more than 20% funding coming from abroad. , and does not imply prohibitions or sanctions. Plans to pass this bill drew harsh criticism from the West, as well as days of protests by pro-Western opposition and NGOs, which turned into riots.
On May 2, US Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan reported that members of the Georgian government declined a visit to Washington at the invitation of the US side to discuss strategic partnership and financial assistance.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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