US aid suspension won’t impact Georgia’s Seismic Monitoring Center, confirms Director

The recent suspension of $95 million in US aid to the Georgian government will not affect the country’s seismic monitoring efforts, according to Tea Godoladze, Head of the National Seismic Monitoring Center at Ilia State University.

Godoladze took to Facebook on Wednesday, saying that the US side understands the significance of public safety and the need for uninterrupted functioning of key institutions, such as the seismic monitoring center, which is crucial in protecting lives and ensuring national security.

“We have received confirmation that the $95 million in aid, paused by the US government for the Georgian government, will not affect our institute. The US recognizes the importance of institutions like ours and continues to support us,” she said, dismissing shared information on Monday, that the seismic center funding would be suspended.
Godoladze also highlighted the long-standing partnership between the US and Georgia in building seismic infrastructure.

“For 25 years, we have worked closely with the US to develop seismic infrastructure for Georgia and the entire region. I am confident that they will continue to stand by us in critical areas of public safety,” she added.

In late July the US suspended more than $95 million in aid to the Georgian government, citing its ‘anti-democratic actions’ and ‘false statements’ about the West and Washington. Following that the Richard Lugar Public Health Research Center, run by the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, was reported to have been affected by the aid cut.