The President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, sent a letter to the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, regarding the 16th anniversary of the August 2008 war. In his letter, he also addresses the developments surrounding the Russian Law and expresses his disappointment with the anti-democratic actions of the Georgian government.
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“Dear Madam President, on behalf of the American people, I want to take this opportunity to recognize the spirit of the Georgian people as you mark the 16th anniversary of Russia's invasion and subsequent occupation of one-fifth of your country. On this occasion, we remember those killed, injured, and displaced by Russia' brutal invasion, as well as the Kremlin' S continuing efforts to increase its dominance over the occupied regions at the expense of the local population. The United States remains steadfast in its support of Georgia' sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” said Joe Biden's letter, which was published by President Zourabichvili's administration.
Joe Biden also notes the clear will of the Georgian people to continue expressing their Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
“The United States applauds the people of Georgia's unwavering commitment to a democratic future where civil society plays an active role in articulating different views and opinions. I am disappointed by the Georgian goverment's inti-democratic actions, exemplified by the Kremlin-style "foreign agents" law and Georgian movement officials' false statements, which are inconsistent with EU and NATO membership norms. Despite these moves, we remain committed to the Georgian people and their Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Throughout our 32-year bilateral relationship, Georgia and the United States have stood together in defense of peace, stability, freedom, and human rights. These common values unite our countries, and I know they will continue to unite our people for generations to come,” Joe Biden wrote in the letter.
Despite the calls from international partners and the thousands of protests, the parliamentary majority of Georgian Dream overcame the president's veto on May 28 and passed the Russian Law on so-called Foreign Agents, halting Georgia's process of joining the European Union.
Following the adoption of the Russian law, the US began a comprehensive review of its bilateral cooperation with Georgia. As part of this review, the United States implemented a visa restriction policy against those who undermine Georgian democracy and human rights. Additionally, the Department of Defense postponed the military exercise Noble Partner 2024, originally scheduled to start in Georgia at the end of July, for an indefinite period. On July 31, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the US is suspending over $95 million in aid that directly benefits the Georgian government. The suspension of aid is due to the government's "anti-democratic actions and false statements."
