Foreign influence law brings Georgia in wrong direction – Stoltenberg

The new law on foreign influence is taking Georgia in the wrong direction, but the consequences for the country remain uncertain, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in an exclusive interview with Radio Liberty correspondent Rikard Jozwiak.

“Georgia is our partner. I was recently in Georgia, and it is important that we cooperate with such partner countries. However, the new law on ‘foreign agents’ is taking Georgia in the wrong direction. NATO allies and many other countries have expressed concern about this development. We must ensure the aspiration of the Georgian people to live in a democratic society,” said Stoltenberg.

RFE/RL asked the Secretary General whether the adoption of such a law would have any specific impact on NATO-Georgia relations.

“This issue has not been discussed. Our partnership enjoys broad support. However, political dialogue is part of the partnership, and addressing problems is also part of this dialogue,” Stoltenberg responded.

When asked if Georgia will remain an aspirant country of the Alliance, Stoltenberg confirmed: “Yes, Georgia applied for membership. We have not yet given it a membership action plan, but we maintain a partnership relationship with Georgia.”

An informal two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers concluded in Prague on May 31. During the meeting, the heads of diplomatic agencies from alliance member states discussed aid to Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, and the agenda for the upcoming Washington summit.