Georgian opposition leaders meet US Congressman Cohen to advocate for MEGOBARI Act

Tina Bokuchava, Chairwoman of the United National Movement (UNM), and Petre Tsiskarishvili, the party's Political Secretary, met with US Congressman Steve Cohen in Washington as part of their ongoing efforts to promote the MEGOBARI Act - a legislative initiative aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and countering authoritarian influence in Georgia, the party press office said on Wednesday.

The MEGOBARI Act, officially titled the Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act, was introduced in the US House of Representatives during the 118th Congress. The bipartisan bill seeks to bolster democratic practices, human rights, and the rule of law in Georgia, reaffirming the United States' commitment to supporting Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration and countering the influence of authoritarian regimes, particularly Russia. 

During their visit, Bokuchava and Tsiskarishvili engaged in discussions with Congressman Cohen, one of the leading co-sponsors of the MEGOBARI Act. They also held meetings with other members of the US Congress to garner support for the bill's passage through the Senate.

"We are here to maximize mobilization and facilitate the adoption of the MEGOBARI Act in the Senate," Bokuchava said. "Once passed, the Act will be submitted to President Donald Trump for signature, which he will definitely sign, and thus it will enter into force."

Bokuchava emphasized that the legislation aimed to impose personal sanctions on individuals “undermining Georgia's democratic processes,” including Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party. "Instead of the MEGOBARI Act being an opportunity for our country to receive many benefits, the US has to use personal sanctions on Ivanishvili and the spreaders of Russian influence in Georgia," she said.