US Reviews Cooperation with Georgia Over 'Foreign Agent' Law
The US is reviewing its bilateral cooperation with Georgia following the introduction of a controversial 'foreign agent' law that has incited mass protests in Tbilisi. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced visa restrictions for those undermining democracy in Georgia, believed to be members of the Georgian Dream party, which criticized the US decision as 'comical.' Critics argue the law mimics Russian legislation targeting Kremlin critics, and protests against the law have often turned violent.
The US is reviewing its bilateral cooperation with Georgia following the introduction of a controversial 'foreign agent' law that has incited mass protests in Tbilisi.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced visa restrictions for those undermining democracy in Georgia, believed to be members of the Georgian Dream party, which criticized the US decision as 'comical.' The law mandates organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as foreign agents.
Critics argue the law mimics Russian legislation targeting Kremlin critics.
Georgia's president vetoed the bill, but the ruling party plans to overturn the veto.
Mr. Blinken stated these measures contradict Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration goals.
Russia accused the US of blackmailing Georgia, and the EU warned the law could jeopardize Georgia's EU candidacy, which was granted in December 2023.
Protests against the law have often turned violent.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced visa restrictions for those undermining democracy in Georgia, believed to be members of the Georgian Dream party, which criticized the US decision as 'comical.' The law mandates organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as foreign agents.
Critics argue the law mimics Russian legislation targeting Kremlin critics.
Georgia's president vetoed the bill, but the ruling party plans to overturn the veto.
Mr. Blinken stated these measures contradict Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration goals.
Russia accused the US of blackmailing Georgia, and the EU warned the law could jeopardize Georgia's EU candidacy, which was granted in December 2023.
Protests against the law have often turned violent.
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