"Concrete steps should be taken – this includes the opening of negotiations, visa liberalization with America, deepening of trade relations, and direct flights. If this is the approach and attitude, and we see not only words from the strategic partner – because no one yet knows where this initiated bill will lead or to what level it will reach – if we see concrete steps being taken, of course, there will be no need for a law," responded Tbilisi Mayor and the ruling Georgian Dream Secretary General Kakha Kaladze to the bill registered in the US Congress. The bill provides for a comprehensive package of economic and security support for Georgia if the government abandons its growing anti-Western rhetoric and stops the backsliding in terms of human rights.
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When asked by journalists whether today's statement by the political council of Georgian Dream is a clear rejection of the US proposal, Kaladze answered that, on the contrary, it is proof that "if someone wants to do something, no one is against it."
"I want to go back a bit and emphasize again why the law on the transparency of non-governmental organizations that we passed was important: in recent years, we have seen a number of attempts at revolution involving non-governmental organizations, including direct calls and statements by these organizations that the government should resign. In normal countries, it is inconceivable for a non-governmental organization to frame what they are doing in Georgia.
We understand well who is funding all of this and who the donor organizations behind it are. Therefore, transparency is important for the public to know where the funding is coming from and which projects these funds are being spent on. We also have to protect ourselves and the country from the statements that come from the West, which are completely out of touch with reality and are offensive. Of course, we have responses from our side.
If our strategic partner wants visa-free travel, direct flights, and a free trade agreement, we are absolutely open to it. We welcome all of this, and it should not remain mere words; concrete steps should be taken. Also, the blackmail that is taking place in connection with the opening of negotiations with the European Union is unacceptable," Kaladze said.
The mayor of Tbilisi says that "no one is afraid of sanctions, and there is no problem in this regard." "I think it is incredible that government officials were sanctioned. However, such injustice happening in the world today will not be surprising," he added.
A draft law called the MEGOBARI Act has been submitted to Congress, which provides for the start of negotiations to open a "strong preferential trade regime," visa liberalization for Georgian citizens, and the development of a military support package. However, the program will be activated only if the US confirms that "Georgia has demonstrated significant and sustainable progress in strengthening democracy, as evidenced by at least essentially fair and free elections and a balanced pre-election environment."
Joe Wilson will introduce a second bill in response to the events in Georgia, which would include imposing visa bans on politicians and their families responsible for passing the "Russian-style Foreign Agents Act." Employees of law enforcement agencies and security services will also be targeted for sanctions.
The Parliament of Georgia adopted the Russian Law on so-called Foreign Agents in the third and final reading at the May 14 plenary session. 84 deputies supported it, while 30 were against it. The authorities did not take into account the warnings of international partners and the demands of the ongoing mass protests in the country to withdraw the law unconditionally.
The president vetoed the law, which in his opinion contradicts several articles of the Georgian constitution, although Georgian Dream plans to overcome it in the session week of May 27.
Last week, during his visit to Tbilisi, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien warned the authorities that if the law comes into force without being in line with European norms, the US will impose restrictions. Additionally, O'Brien stated that the United States has about $390 million in aid planned to be spent with the Georgian government, which will also be called into question if the US is now considered "an adversary, not a partner."
