US Senators Jim Risch and Jeanne Shaheen issue statement on Georgia’s current crisis

Senior members of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jim Risch and Senator Jeanne Shaheen, have issued a statement addressing the ongoing political crisis in Georgia.

In their statement, they emphasized that the people of Georgia have the right to know that the United States will not remain passive as the situation worsens.

“We urge the State Department to clearly and unequivocally express its position on the use of force against peaceful protesters,” said Risch and Shaheen.

The senators also called on both current and future US administrations to continue supporting freedom and democracy in Georgia.

“The Biden administration’s decision to suspend the strategic partnership with Georgia is a good starting point, but now it is time to use all available tools at the US government’s disposal, including sanctions, to remind the Georgian government that actions have consequences,” the statement continued.

The senators concluded by reaffirming the US commitment to stand with the Georgian people, stating, “The people of Georgia have the right to know that the United States will not remain inactive as the situation deteriorates.”

This statement comes amid growing protests in Georgia against the government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks until 2028.