US Senators Risch, Shaheen send letter of concern to Georgian PM

US Senator Jim Risch, a chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Jeanne Shaheen, a ranking member of the Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, have sent a letter to Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, expressing concern over ‘recent events that indicate a backsliding from Georgia’s commitment to build the institutions of their democracy.’ 

The senators say that ‘two of the most pressing matters’ were the Georgian parliament’s rejection of an early-transition to a fully proportional electoral system starting from 2020 instead of scheduled 2024, a promise given by the ruling party, and the ‘violent dispersal’ of following, ‘peaceful protests.’ 

We understand that the promised electoral reform was expected to give proportional representation to Georgian voters to ensure the system did not unduly favor any one political party. Your government’s decision to prevent that change indicates a backsliding from commitments to build the institutions of Georgia’s democracy,” reads the letter. 

The senators said that ‘recent political targeting of opposition leaders through both formal and informal methods is further evidence of Georgia’s democratic backsliding.’ 

An independent, democratic Georgia has many international supporters, and we are eager to continue to assist your country,” they continued. “However, we are motivated to support Georgia’s economic and political development only as long as we can rely on Georgia to be a stable, trustworthy, and democratic partner in this effort. We sincerely hope that you will work quickly to reverse this decline and fulfill the promises made to the Georgian people,” the senators said. 

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia stated earlier this month that "more goals Georgia achieves, the more demands are raised." Photo: Prime Minister's press office. 

The Georgian PM has received several of such letters from the US senators over the past few months. 

• US Congressman tweets he and three other Congressmen sent letter ‘with grave concerns’ to Georgian PM
• US Congressman Mullin concerned about ‘deteriorating economic climate’ for FDI in Georgia
• US Congressman Babin sends letter to Georgian PM over ‘delayed reforms’

Gakharia stated that Georgian officials are “always ready” to talk to “strategic partners” of the country, stating that US-Georgia relations are at an all-time high and the ‘more goals Georgia achieves, the more demands are raised’ on further progress and the expectations are high. 

Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani has stated in December 2019 that ‘the view of the US and the country’s representatives is “of high value for Georgia.” 

However, he stated that ‘much controversial information’ is reaching Washington and in this situation, ‘maintaining correct and timely communication with them plays an important role.’ 

The Georgian opposition parties say that the letters coming from Washington “are alarming.”