Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated that the U.S. is concerned about the enforcement of the Russian law targeting organizations that have not voluntarily registered in the so-called agent register. The State Department does not rule out the possibility of taking additional measures against government officials.
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“So the Georgia Government continues to move in a deeply, deeply troubling direction, one that moves the country further away from its Euro-Atlantic trajectory, which the Georgian people, we know, overwhelmingly desire. We are concerned about the enforcement of this legislation for those entities that did not voluntarily register, including critical civil – civic organizations and independent media,” - Miller said at a briefing held on September 3, where he was asked if he has any news regarding this law, including the ban on travel to the USA for specific Georgian high-ranking officials.
Matthew Miller noted that, as part of the comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia, announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, visa restrictions were imposed on dozens of Georgian citizens and their family members. These include members of Georgian Dream, parliamentarians, representatives of law enforcement agencies, and private citizens. Additionally, the U.S. suspended $95 million in aid, which, according to Miller, "directly benefited the government of Georgia."
“In response to that second part of your question, that review remains ongoing. I would not rule out further actions,” said Matthew Miller.
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, attributes the statements made by the State Department's spokesperson to the Global War Party.
"The Global War Party has significant influence over certain structures, including those in the United States - unfortunately, even within the State Department. This is why we hear such messages, which is very sad.
The most important thing for us is to protect our national interests and ensure that our country does not end up in the same situation as our friendly nation, Ukraine," said Kobakhidze.
The period for voluntary registration of non-governmental and media organizations that have received more than 20% of their income from abroad in the special register established under the Russian law on so-called foreign agents expired on September 2. Starting September 3, the Financial Monitoring Department of the Public Registry has the authority to inspect and fine any organizations that refused to register. According to the latest information from the Ministry of Justice, 476 organizations voluntarily registered as "carriers of the interests of a foreign power."
