US Freezes Aid to Georgia

The United States has announced the suspension of its aid to Georgia, citing concerns over actions deemed anti-democratic by Georgian authorities.

Ezra Zia, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, made the announcement following her visit to Georgia.

Zia stated during a press briefing that in light of recent developments, her country has frozen its assistance to Georgia, and the integration of Georgia into the European Union has been suspended,

The move comes after the Georgian parliament recently passed legislation requiring any non-governmental organization or media outlet receiving more than 20% of its funding from abroad to register as a "foreign agent" subject to increased governmental scrutiny, if deemed to pursue the interests of foreign powers, according to the judiciary.

Georgia, a strategic ally in the region, has been navigating challenges related to democratic governance and international relations.

The US decision to freeze aid underscores growing international scrutiny over Georgia's legislative actions and their implications for democratic principles and foreign relations.

Georgia's path towards closer integration with the European Union faces setbacks amidst these developments, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions in the Caucasus region.