Robin Dunnigan, the US Ambassador to Georgia, on Wednesday said her country has conveyed its concerns regarding the proposed foreign transparency bill to the Georgian authorities, both privately and publicly.
The diplomat echoed the sentiments this draft law, if enacted, was feared to deviate Georgia from its European trajectory and hamper the “vital role” of local civil society organizations in assisting the Georgian people.
Addressing the media following a meeting with young individuals at the American Center in Khashuri, Dunnigan emphasized that Georgians “should carefully consider whether the proposed bill aligns with their country's best interests”.
She highlighted distinctions between this legislation and analogous laws in the United States, where registration was required for organizations and individuals engaged in lobbying on behalf of foreign governments. Dunnigan reiterated the United States' steadfast support for Georgia's European aspirations, emphasizing the collaborative relationship between the two nations.
Furthermore, Dunnigan stressed the Georgian bill, with its recent version replacing the term "agent of foreign influence" with "organization promoting the interests of a foreign power" - differed from FARA and drew parallels instead to similar laws in Russia and Hungary.
Dunnigan underscored the extensive cooperation between the US and Georgia, including over $6 billion in financial aid provided by the US to the Georgian government and civil sector over three decades. She noted the assistance has bolstered various sectors, including defense, healthcare, education, and social services, reflecting the enduring partnership between the two nations.
Despite international criticism and opposition, the ruling Georgian Dream party announced plans to reintroduce the controversial legislation, prompting renewed protests. Critics argue that the bill threatens democratic institutions and media freedom in Georgia, with concerns echoed by NATO, the European Union, the United Nations, and Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili. The President has pledged to veto the legislation if adopted.
On April 9, a Freedom March took place in Tbilisi, with civil activists, media representatives, and non-governmental organizations protesting against the proposed bill outside the Georgian Parliament building.
