Opposition figure warns US aid to Syria may be blocked over Georgia policy

Georgian opposition politician Roman Gotsiridze has warned that Syria may be blocked from receiving US financial support despite the recent lifting of sanctions by Washington. The reason, he said, lay in a critical US policy that restricts aid to countries recognizing Georgia’s Russian-occupied territories.

Gotsiridze, in a social media post on Thursday, highlighted a provision in US law - introduced during President Donald Trump’s first term - that prohibits US financial support for any country that acknowledges the independence of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions.

"Trump has lifted sanctions on Syria. This means that it will soon receive financial support from the American government. One circumstance may prevent this," Gotsiridze wrote. He further explained that the US will not only deny direct financial assistance but will also oppose the implementation of programs for such countries in international financial organizations, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

The US fiscal year begins on October 1, and until then, the restriction remains in effect. Gotsiridze emphasized the need for Georgia’s opposition and diplomatic corps to ensure that this condition was not overlooked and to engage with the US administration on the matter.

Syria officially recognized Abkhazia and Tskhinvali as independent states in 2018, joining a small group of countries that have done so - most of which have faced diplomatic pressure to reverse their positions.

Gotsiridze warned that if Syria did not reverse its recognition of the regions, it could face a significant obstacle in accessing US financial aid.