‘Russian Law’ threatens vital American support for Georgia, opposition member

Sopo Japaridze, a member of the Unity political coalition, on Tuesday criticized the Foreign Influence Transparency Law, labeled as a Russian law by the opposition, enacted by the ruling Georgian Dream party in May, asserting that it posed a serious threat to Georgia’s European integration and endangers critical American assistance that supported many lives in the country.

Japaridze claims that the new legislation not only blocked Georgia’s path to Europe but also jeopardizes crucial aid from the United States.

“The ‘Russian Law’ by the Georgian Dream not only hinders our European aspirations but also risks cutting off essential support for healthcare projects,” Japaridze said. She emphasized that American assistance had been pivotal in funding various initiatives, including doctor training, hospital construction, and providing Internet access to rural clinics.

Highlighting the impact of past US support, Japaridze noted that American aid to Georgia had exceeded $6 billion over the years.
During the presidency of Mikheil Saakashvili, the ties were further strengthened, resulting in the implementation of significant American-funded projects such as the Lugar laboratory, she claimed.