The adoption of the “MEGOBARI Act” in the United States is a very serious step – it is America’s response as a friend, said Georgia’s fifth president, Salome Zurabishvili, regarding the US House of Representatives’ support for the MEGOBARI Act.
She claimed that Georgia will restore friendly and partnership relations with the US immediately after a change of government.
“The adoption of the MEGOBARI Act in America is a very serious step. I can’t say that we should be happy about it today, because, in reality, it reflects a decision made toward Georgia – but those individuals responsible for what’s happening in the country will be sanctioned. We will change this once we change the regime. This regime deserves sanctions – there is no other option, and our American friends understand this.
“It is unacceptable for Georgian officials to accuse America of being a ‘war party’, or of following a ‘deep state’, or any other such narrative. This is America’s response as a friend. We will regain that friendship as soon as this regime is gone. That is our message! We will not only restore our friendship with America, but also our strategic partnership, which has been lost during this period. We will also reclaim the opportunities such as visa liberalization with the US—not with the countries from the list that was published a few days ago. We will also restore free trade. This is our future without this regime,” Zurabishvili stated.
The US House of Representatives has supported the MEGOBARI Act. The bill, titled Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence (MEGOBARI), was supported by 349 members of Congress, with 42 voting against it.
The bill must now be approved by the US Senate.
The MEGOBARI Act was first introduced last year in the House by Congressman Joe Wilson. This year, it was reintroduced in the 119th Congress by Congressman Steve Cohen [Democratic Party], together with Congressman Richard Hudson [Republican Party] and Congressman Marc Veasey [Democratic Party]. The sponsors say the MEGOBARI Act expresses support for the Georgian people and, among other provisions, includes sanctions against Georgian officials for human rights violations and for undermining democracy.
Related story: Coalition for Change: Support for “MEGOBARI Act” exposes Ivanishvili regime’s propaganda
