US Senator Jeanne Shaheen voiced her concerns over a significant shift in US-Georgia relations, noting that the passage of a controversial Foreign Influence Transparency Law had negatively impacted the relationship between the two nations. Shaheen made the comment at the Senate hearing on Thursday, adding that the US remains committed to supporting Georgia’s aspirations but hopes for a more positive development in their bilateral ties.
Shaheen also addressed the upcoming elections in Georgia, expressing hope that they would be conducted fairly and transparently.
She reaffirmed the US’s support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic ambitions and stressed the importance of free and fair elections in the country.
One of the Senator’s key concerns was the reduced funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Georgia, which she described as playing a vital role in the country’s democratic development. She highlighted the divide between Georgia’s civil society and opposition, and the current government, led by the Georgian Dream party.
“For over 30 years, the US has supported Georgia’s democratic development because we share common values, but now the Georgian government seems intent on discarding and undermining these achievements,” she stated.
