US sends ‘clear signal’ on democracy to Georgia, opposition politician


Author
Front News Georgia
The United States has sent a strong message reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, according to Petre Tsiskarishvili, Secretary General of Georgia’s United National Movement (UNM) opposition party, as the Senate version of the MEGOBARI Act is expected to be reviewed by the Foreign Relations Committee early next week.
Tsiskarishvili said that Washington was taking “concrete steps” against those who “undermine democracy” in Georgia.
“This is a clear and concrete signal from the United States that they are committed to democratic values. Any expectation from Bidzina Ivanishvili’s regime [in reference to the ruling Georgian Dream party Government] that Washington might turn a blind eye to autocratic tendencies will not materialize,” he claimed.
He further emphasized that the US Congress was sending a dual message – firstly, that measures were being taken against those threatening democratic governance in strategically important nations, and secondly, that Georgian society “must decide whether it wants to continue under the current leadership”.
He also suggested that individuals within the government and business sectors should consider the implications of US actions.
MEGOBARI Act is a piece of legislation aimed at addressing “democratic backsliding” in Georgia under the GD leadership.
Washington-based journalist Alex Raufoglou has reported that the Senate version of the MEGOBARI Act is expected to be reviewed by the Foreign Relations Committee early next week.
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Petre Tsiskarishvili