The US House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the MEGOBARI Act. The corresponding vote was held at the session of the lower house of the US Congress, the House of Representatives – Foreign Affairs Committee.
“The Mobilization and Strengthening of Georgia’s Capacity to Build Accountability, Resilience and Independence Act”, abbreviated MEGOBARI Act, was voted on by the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee today, and the discussion was held yesterday.
41 congressmen supported it, and 6 went against it.
Bipartisan bill MEGOBARI Act (Enhancing and Mobilizing Georgia’s Accountability, Resilience, and Independence) by Chairman of the US House Helsinki Commission and Congressman Joe Wilson (South Carolina) and Congressmen Steve Cohen (Tennessee), Richard Hudson (North Carolina), Mark Weiss (Texas) was presented.
The document states that within 60 days of its implementation, the State Department must identify key figures in the Georgian government, who either work for it, and/or influence the government’s actions and bear responsibility for harming democracy, human rights, and national security.
In addition to identifying the mentioned persons, the bill also calls on the executive authorities to prepare a report on the circumvention of Ukraine-related sanctions in Georgia, as well as to study Russian influence in the country.
On the other hand, based on the draft law, if Georgia meets the main political criteria, the document also envisages the liberalization of the visa regime for Georgian citizens in the US and the start of negotiations on the opening of a “strong preferential trade regime”.
The bill aims to strengthen democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Georgia and reaffirms the US commitment to support Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration and counter the influence of authoritarian regimes, especially Russia.
The main provisions of the MEGOBARI Act are:
Supporting Democracy and the Rule of Law: The Act states US policy to protect democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law in Georgia. It recognizes the significant progress of Georgian civil society and emphasizes the importance of strengthening democracy for regional stability and US interests.
Addressing Democratic Backsliding: In response to the recent backsliding of democracy in Georgia, the Act calls for greater oversight of the Georgian government and its ties to Russia and other authoritarian regimes.
Reporting and Sanctions: The law requires several reports to ensure accountability.
Improper Influence and Sanctions Avoidance: Reports of Corrupt Practices in Georgia Supporting Russian Interests and Sanctions Avoidance.
Russian Intelligence Assets: Assessing Russian Intelligence Penetration in Georgia and Potential Cooperation with China.
Sanctions on Georgian individuals: Identify individuals who undermine democracy in Georgia and impose sanctions and travel bans on them.
Creation of a democracy monitoring working group: A working group will be created to monitor and promote the democratic environment in Georgia, especially during elections, to ensure fair and free electoral processes.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Support: After confirming significant democratic progress in Georgia, the Act provides for further US assistance, including: negotiating a more favorable trade agreement with Georgia;
expansion of people-to-people exchanges and simplification of the visa regime;
development of economic and modernization package;
Providing security and defense support to counter Russian aggression.
