We will consider our response to the actions that the Government of Georgia has taken, – US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
Regarding the Foreign Influence Transparency Law, Matthew Miller said the law could stigmatize civil society and stifle freedoms of association and expression.
“I will say we have been quite concerned about the fact that this law moves Georgia away from its democratic trajectory and could stigmatize civil society and stifle the freedoms of association and expression, and that the actions fundamentally alter the U.S. relationship with Georgia. And so that’s why we have launched a review of our relationship and will consider our response to the actions that the Government of Georgia has taken”, Miller said.
He claimed that they have announced a new sanctions policy, but they have not yet announced individual sanctions.
“We’ve announced a new sanctions policy. We have not yet announced individual sanctions. And I’ll leave it at that. But we have made clear that we would not hesitate to impose them”, he said.
When asked why the US Secretary of State did not speak about Georgia during his Eastern European trip, Matthew Miller noted;
“The Secretary just put out a statement announcing an entire comprehensive review of our policy with respect to Georgia that could jeopardize hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance that we provide to Georgia, and as well announced a new visa restriction policy that you should fully expect to see the United States take action on. I think I’ll leave it at that. His commitment to this issue has been quite clear.”
