Georgian PM on US House of Representatives’ subcommittee bill: we listen, respect, continue progress
Georgian PM Giorgi Gakharia says that the government respects the views of its partners and allies. Photo: Imedi TV.
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Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has responded to the US House of Representatives subcommittee bill, stating that ‘international partners are Georgia's closest allies.’
The bill proposed by the House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey stipulates that 15 per cent of $132 million in assistance may be withheld until the US Secretary of State determines and reports that the Georgian government is taking effective steps to strengthen democratic institutions, combat corruption and ensure that the rule of law in the private sector is consistent with international, recognised standards.
The PM says that the bill includes ‘some unpleasant notes,’ adding that many ‘so-called Georgian politicians are trying to engage our strategic partners in internal political rivalry.’
Our democratic and Euro-Atlantic integration progress face no threats. Our country is progressing on a daily basis and our international partners know this very well. As it appears, the pre-election, internal ‘high temperature’ has become palpable outside the country as well. We have seen the same interpretations regarding the recent constitutional changes. However, after the adoption of the changes we have been largely praised. Our international partners have once again seen that we are moving ahead. The parliamentary elections are coming and we should conduct them in full line with top democratic standards,” Gakharia said.
Gakharia stated that Georgia is attentive to every remark and statement made by the country’s international partners and takes them into account.
Unfortunately, some so-called politicians are trying to engage our partners in internal political rivalry. This is bad and affects state interests in the end. That is why we should all calm down. Democratically-held elections are in the interests of the country,” Gakharia said.
The opposition says that the bill 'is warning' for the Georgian Dream government.
Notes have been added to the Georgia section of the US Fiscal Year 2021 State and Foreign Operations Funding bill, released by the United States House Appropriations Subcommittee on July 6.
A US House of Representatives subcommittee has proposed making financial assistance for Georgia conditional on the fulfilment of several requirements, which has the opposition raising the alarm bell while the ruling party states that the country will not bear any losses.
The Houses of Representatives has published a new bill for purposes of the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programmes for the current fiscal year which states that $132,025,000 financial assistance will be allocated for Georgia.
The US 2019 state budget bill provides increased support for Georgia, with more than $127 million in aid. This is $22 million more than last year, the Georgian Foreign Ministry reports. The draft budget reads that $275 million will be allocated in total for countries in Eastern Europe and Eurasia.
US Congressman Adam Kinzinger says the US Congress has never discussed imposing sanctions on Georgia, responding to speculations on the Georgia section of the US Fiscal Year 2021 State and Foreign Operations Funding bill, released by the United States House Appropriations Subcommittee on July 6.