The US Senate Foreign Relations Committeee supported the MEGOBARI Act.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen says the MEGOBARI Act is a “clear message.”
“We approved the MEGOBARI Act. This is a clear message to the Georgian people. We support their efforts to preserve a democratic future,” the senator said.
She claimed that the act provides for sanctions against those who tried to crackdown on peaceful demonstrations.
“The government does not respect the Constitution, Georgian traditions. We hope that people will see a positive signal in our decision and we support them.
“This includes sanctions against those who try to crackdown on peaceful demonstrations, and it also has bipartisan support,” said Shaheen.
The bill, called the “Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act” (MEGOBARI), was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Joe Wilson last year.
Key Provisions of the MEGOBARI Act:
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Comprehensive Review of US–Georgia Relations: The Act mandates a thorough evaluation of the bilateral relationship, encompassing all assistance programs to ensure alignment with shared democratic values.
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Recognition of Euro-Atlantic Aspirations: It acknowledges the Georgian populace’s commitment to pursuing membership in Euro-Atlantic institutions, reinforcing the US’s support for this trajectory.
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Sanctions on Undermining Officials: The legislation requires the US President to impose sanctions on Georgian Dream party officials and their enablers who engage in corruption, undermine Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, or act detrimentally to the nation’s stability.
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Support for Civil Society: The Act emphasizes backing Georgian civil society organizations that strive to defend democratic principles and constitutional governance against governmental abuses.
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Defense and People-to-People Cooperation: It proposes enhancing defense collaboration and strengthening interpersonal ties, contingent upon Georgia’s realignment with its constitutional commitments.
