US Supports Georgia's NATO Bid Amid Controversial 'Foreign Agents' Law and Potential Sanctions

The United States remains steadfast in supporting Georgia's bid to join NATO, despite the recent adoption of a controversial 'foreign agents' law. However, US officials have warned of potential sanctions against Georgian officials who back anti-democratic changes.

US Ambassador to NATO, Julian Smith, reiterated this support while cautioning Georgian officials against endorsing measures that could undermine democratic institutions. Smith's statement comes amid widespread protests in Georgia over the new law, which critics argue mirrors repressive measures used by the Kremlin in Russia.

The 'Law On Transparency Of Foreign Influence' requires media and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as pursuing the interests of a foreign power. This legislation has sparked significant backlash, with many seeing it as a threat to Georgia's democratic trajectory and its aspirations for European Union membership.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced visa restrictions on Georgian officials responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia, including their family members. 'The Department of State is implementing a new visa restriction policy for Georgia that will apply to individuals who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia, including their family members,' stated Blinken.

The law has also drawn criticism from the European Union, with European Council President Charles Michel warning that its adoption is a step backward for Georgia's European aspirations. Despite President Salome Zurabishvili's veto, the Georgian parliament, controlled by the ruling Georgian Dream party, overrode the veto, leading to further protests.

Protests have erupted in Tbilisi, with demonstrators waving Georgian and EU flags and chanting slogans against the law. President Zurabishvili addressed the protesters via video link, expressing her support for their cause. 'The 84 deputies who voted for the law are nobody compared to those who are here today, the new Georgia, the Georgia of the story,' she said.

The US has been a steady supporter of Georgia's Western integration, and the visa restrictions are seen as a warning to the Georgian government to reconsider the law. Over 80% of the Georgian population supports EU and NATO membership, which are enshrined in the country's constitution.

As Georgia faces this critical juncture, the international community watches closely. The outcome of this controversy could significantly impact Georgia's democratic processes and its long-term aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration.

Key Takeaways

• US supports Georgia's NATO bid despite controversial "foreign agents" law.
• US warns of sanctions against Georgian officials backing anti-democratic changes.
• New law requires media and NGOs with >20% foreign funding to register as foreign agents.
• US imposes visa restrictions on Georgian officials undermining democracy.
• 80% of Georgians support EU and NATO membership, enshrined in the constitution.