U.S. Threatens Sanctions as Georgia's New Law Echoes Kremlin Control
The United States warned Georgia against aligning with Moscow, as Assistant Secretary of State for the U.S., Jim O'Brien, announced possible sanctions against Georgian officials due to their adoption of a contentious "foreign agents" law. The White House criticized the law for mirroring the Kremlin's approach.
Washington's firm stance against Georgian politicians
O'Brien vehemently criticized the narrative promoted by Georgian leaders, including oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili and Prime Minister Garibashvili, who have portrayed the U.S. as an adversary. He likened their rhetoric to a conspiracy theory and warned of the potential cessation of nearly $400 million in U.S. aid to Georgia. He also highlighted the law's potential to drastically alter Georgia's relationship with the West.
The law on "foreign agents" sparked a wave of protests
Despite significant public dissent in Tbilisi, the Georgian parliament approved the law, which mandates that organizations receiving over 20% of their funding abroad must register as foreign influence agents. Critics argue that this law could be exploited to stifle opposition and independent media, contradicting Georgia's EU aspirations. However, the ruling party, Georgian Dream, insists the law will enhance transparency and sovereignty.
