The parliamentary majority members who voted for the Russian Law on so-called Foreign Agents have responded to the visa restrictions announced by the United States Secretary of State. Irma Zavradashvili, Georgian Dream faction member, stated that they are prepared for sanctions and have no intention of backing down.
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"In the history of Georgia, individuals have sacrificed themselves for the nation's prosperity, and we, in some way, endure the sanctions. My family and the families of all leaders of the Georgian Dream are prepared to endure everything for the advancement of this country. The question still remains as to who will impose sanctions and when... Under no circumstances [will we retreat]... I am prepared for any form of sanctions, as is my family... Stay calm, many of the opinions you've expressed remain just that - opinions. Keep calm, Georgia will win," MP Zavradashvili conveyed to journalists.
Shota Khabareli, another member of the Georgian Dream faction, remarked that imposing sanctions on MPs "will likely be written in bold letters in history."
"Since Georgia is adopting the transparency law, those who vote for it are subject to sanctions. Each of you should understand that Georgia comes first," Khabareli stated.
Irakli Medzmariashvili is also unworried by sanctions. "We will overcome the veto, and then we will address everything. What kind of family are my wife and I? What will be, will be. What does fear mean? What should I be afraid of?" Medzmariashvili told journalists.
Dimitri Khundadze, one of the leaders of People's Power, does not expect the United States to make "such a tough decision." "But if the choice does arise - to strengthen the sovereignty of the motherland or to have visas and air tickets - of course, the choice will be in favor of the motherland. Regarding such an approach, Georgia has had an answer for a long time, and I will also have this answer: I will not exchange my homeland for the paradise of another country," said Khundadze.
Another member of People's Power, Davit Katcharava, responded to the sanctions, stating that they will not back down regarding the Russian Law.
"Something incredible is happening worldwide. Legitimately elected authorities are being blackmailed and threatened with sanctions simply because we passed a transparency law. This is direct blackmail and interference in the country's internal affairs, which is unacceptable. We will not take a single step back or compromise the sovereignty of our nation," Katcharava stated.
The United States will develop a visa restriction policy for Georgia, which will apply to individuals and their family members responsible for or complicit in disrupting democracy in Georgia. As Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, anyone who undermines democratic processes or institutions in Georgia, including before, during, and after the October 2024 election, may be denied US visas or travel to the United States under this policy. Additionally, Blinken is initiating a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia.
