The anti-democratic actions and false statements of the Georgian government do not comply with the norms of membership in the European Union and NATO, and so the US is suspending more than $95 million in direct aid to the Georgian government – reads the statement of United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, distributed by the State Department Wednesday.
Blinken’s statement notes, however, that the US will continue to support programs and activities that benefit the Georgian people by strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and economic development.
“On May 23rd, following anti-democratic actions by the government of Georgia, I announced a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia,” Blinken writes. “As a result of this review, the United States is suspending more than $95 million in aid that would have directly benefited the Government of Georgia.
“The anti-democratic actions and false statements of the Georgian government do not comply with the norms of membership in the European Union and NATO. While we are suspending assistance to the Government of Georgia because of these actions, the United States will continue to support programs and activities that benefit the Georgian people by strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and economic development.
“During more than 32 years of friendship and partnership between our countries and peoples, the people of the United States have allocated more than $6.2 billion in aid, which has contributed to the development and strengthening of Georgia’s economy and democratic institutions. Our aid has contributed to equipping and training the Georgian Defense Forces and Coast Guard, building schools and hospitals, and training teachers, civil servants and medical professionals. We will remain loyal to the Georgian people and their Euro-Atlantic aspirations”, Blinken said.
By Team GT
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