Robin Dunnigan, the US Ambassador to Georgia again reiterated “absolute” support for the “people of Georgia.” Her comments came after the strained relations following adoption of the foreign agent’s law.
According to Robin Dunnigan on Thursday the Government of the United States of America will continue its “absolute” support for the “people of Georgia.” In her remarks, she said that the USA is hopeful that bilateral relations will be back on track soon.
Relations were very strained when Georgia adopted the foreign agent law which was adopted even after the president’s veto. The USA and many other countries have flagged their concern about the law. The opposition parties as well as the foreign government accused the ruling party of stifling independent media voices.
Over the USA’s decision to pause $95 million she stated that we had spoken many times about the bilateral relations and other issues and some anti-democratic actions such as the foreign influence law.
As per the USA Secretary of State Blinken although we have put on hold the $95 million assistance our aid to students, teachers, farmers, small business owners, civil society organisations, and community activists will continue without any restriction.
She also said that assistance for the Georgian defence forces will continue. However everything is under review, as announced by the secretary of state. It is worth noting that the USA has criticised the ruling party Georgian Dream for adopting the foreign agent law.
It should also be noted that the President of Georgia vetoed the law when it was sent to her office for assent. She sent it back to parliament for reconsideration but it was passed ignoring the president’s veto.
As per Georgian law the speaker of the parliament is vested with the power to pass a law if it has been vetod by the President. There were large-scale protests in the capital city Tbilisi. Later police cracked the whip against the protesters who were demanding the repeal of the law. This action of the government’s action was also condemned by all.
