Zeya: We Urge the Government to Correct Course and Fulfill Public Aspirations

Among the government's anti-democratic actions, Uzra Zeya singled out the Russian-style law on so-called agents and the associated rhetoric, which "undermines Georgia's path to the European Union and its relations with the United States of America."

"We urge the Georgian gov't to correct course and fulfill public aspirations for Georgia’s European future," wrote the Deputy Secretary of State on the social network X.

The meeting between Uzra Zeya and Irakli Kobakhidze took place on July 12 at the government administration. Kobakhidze stated that he asked the US Deputy Secretary of State to provide specific feedback on the Russian law in the future.

"I raised questions with Uzra Zeya regarding the transparency law. Once again, the response was general - lacking in specific arguments or details.

I have requested that specific comments be provided on this law in the future; otherwise, responding to general remarks will prove challenging.

Our intention is to deepen relations with the United States of America as much as possible, as we have consistently expressed. We are fully open from our side, and it is crucial that we see forthcoming steps. We are currently in a waiting mode, anticipating these steps. I conveyed this message personally during our meeting, and I hope that relations will gradually improve and become healthier. We are confident that there will be a qualitative change in the development of relations between Georgia and the United States of America sometime early next year," Kobakhidze told journalists.

Secretary-General of Georgian Dream and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze responded to Uzra Zeya's statement, highlighting that those who currently criticize Georgian Dream should remember that until 2012, Saakashvili's government was lauded as a beacon of democracy.

"His assessments regarding the direction of our country are incorrect. Our country's benchmarks are European.

As for the bill, we have only heard criticism for a long time. Unfortunately, we have not heard any arguments about why the law could hinder poverty or why it could be against democracy and European values," said Kaladze.

US Deputy Secretary of State Uzra Zeya arrived in Georgia on July 11. Over the course of two days, she met with representatives from non-governmental organizations, media, female parliamentarians from both opposition and ruling parties, the chairman of the Central Election Commission, as well as the president and the prime minister.

Summarizing these meetings, Uzra Zeya emphasized that the Russian Law on Foreign Agents is detrimental to the Georgian people, particularly impacting robust civil organizations engaged in various sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and media. According to the Deputy Secretary of State, this law contributed to the European Union halting Georgia's accession process, which had been achieved through significant efforts.

"The violence and intimidation targeting members of civil society and opposition parties are equally alarming. Furthermore, spreading disinformation by leaders of the ruling party against a loyal and longstanding partner like the USA only serves the interests of adversaries," stated Uzra Zeya.

She also underscored the importance of the upcoming parliamentary elections on October 26, noting that the US does not endorse any specific party but expects a competitive political process. "For elections to be free and fair, it is crucial that local and international observer organizations monitor the process effectively," emphasized the Deputy Secretary of State.

Uzra Zeya called on Georgian Dream to cease physical violence and threats against individuals working in the civil sector, urging immediate investigations and punishments for those responsible.