US Freezes $95 Mln in Aid to Georgia

The United States announced a freeze on over $95 million in aid to the Georgian government due to actions deemed "anti-democratic," referencing a recently passed law in Tbilisi that mirrors repressive Russian legislation.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Georgia's anti-democratic measures and false statements contradict the standards required for EU and NATO membership.

The aid freeze specifically targets funds benefiting the Georgian government directly.

Despite this freeze, the US will continue to support programs and activities that benefit the Georgian people, including efforts to promote democracy, rule of law, independent media, and economic development.

Over the past three decades, since Georgia gained independence, the US has provided more than $6.2 billion in aid to help build the country's economy, democratic institutions, military, and educational facilities.

The US remains committed to supporting the Georgian people and their aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration.

Georgia, which shares a border with Russia, has faced significant unrest due to a law passed by the ruling Georgian Dream party.

This law, criticized for being similar to Russian legislation used to silence opposition, requires groups receiving at least one-fifth of their funding from abroad to register as "organizations seeking to advance the interests of a foreign power."

The law was adopted in May, despite unprecedented protests and warnings that it could undermine Tbilisi's efforts to gain EU membership.