Georgia: CENN expresses deep concerns over the Foreign Influence Transparency Bill and urges Parliament to suspend and withdraw the deliberations process.
They appeal to each member of the Georgian Parliament to show personal responsibility and not to make efforts to maintain the country’s democratic, European course.
Strategic partners have already called on Georgia to challenge the draft law. We also heard from them about the review of the progress of EU membership, which is a real chance of ensuring our national interests and the wellbeing of our citizens.
The weakening of positions at the international level will directly impact the country’s security and economic development.
The law and public statements supporting it contradict our historical and cultural identity. Our relationship with Europe has always maintained the frameworks of trust, transparency and diplomacy within national politics. Also, the hostile intentions of the neighbouring countries, which are harmful to Georgian statehood, have never been revealed.
Since gaining independence, Georgia has worked closely with international institutions and the civilized world to successfully defend national interests, contribute to global security, and create modern values.
As a result, Georgia, as a dignified ally, was granted the opportunity to enter the EU without a visa, and Georgian products opened their way to European markets widely. Maintaining the already achieved results is also in danger.
The country’s progress in almost every field was based on sharing the best European experience. Support for friendly countries has increased even more regarding political or economic crises, such as Russian intervention, embargo, or energy blockade. As a result, even in the most challenging geopolitical processes, we would maintain independence and the course of democratic, sustainable development.
The sharp reaction of the Georgian people caused the government to make a sensible decision to challenge the bill. His return and reconsideration are related to the risks of polarization and a new political crisis, which are in line with the interests of our occupying country, Russia, to create new destabilization in our region.
Questioning donor countries’ motives will hinder the inevitable growth of financial support for candidate countries, impede the implementation of consistent sector reforms, and affect cooperation with international financial institutions and the investment environment.
It is unacceptable that Georgia, at the most intensive stage of its integration with Europe, should discuss the need for international support and ongoing and planned programs, which cover almost every field, directly benefit hundreds of thousands of citizens, and create guarantees of the country’s security, poverty reduction, and democratic, sustainable development.
Due to bitter historical lessons, Georgian authorities and people have developed political wisdom and caution, again the primary weapon for maintaining peace, independence and the European future.
They hope that all citizens of Georgia, first of all, those responsible for political processes, security and development of the country, will act in the interests of the country and will open the way for constructive dialogue, which will once again end with the challenge of the bill.
This will allow the Parties to continue to work together actively to improve democracy, transparency and welfare standards in the country.
