US State Department vows additional sanctions on Georgian Government

The United States will impose additional sanctions on the Georgian government before the end of the current administration’s term, according to US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

Speaking on democratic concerns in Georgia, Miller highlighted a series of measures the US has already taken in response to what he described as “democratic backsliding” in the country.

“Sanctions are one of the tools,” Miller noted, adding, “If you look at the actions we have taken, we have been quite clear in terms of the democratic backsliding that we have seen in Georgia.”

The measures cited include restricting $95 million in funding to the Georgian government, visa bans on over 100 individuals allegedly involved in undermining democracy, and suspending the US-Georgia Strategic Partnership Mechanism. Miller emphasized that these steps aimed to convey Washington’s concerns while offering Georgia an opportunity to change course.

“We’ve made it clear that there was an alternative path available to them, a path that their people are calling for,” Miller said. “And time and time again, when they’ve been given a choice, they haven’t chosen that path.”

The announcement underscores a fundamental review of US-Georgia relations, with Miller affirming that further sanctions are imminent.

“We’re going to continue to step up our response, including with additional sanctions. I’m not going to say in advance what those sanctions will be. But before our term ends, yes, we will impose additional sanctions on the Georgian government,” he stated.