US issues visa restrictions, comprehensive review over Georgia’s new ‘foreign agent’ Bill
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Demonstrators in Georgia holding a rally on May 1 to protest against a Bill on "foreign agents".
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON - The United States is introducing new visa restrictions on Georgia and launching a review of bilateral cooperation between the countries over a “foreign agent” Bill passed by the Georgian Parliament in May, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken on May 23.
Mr Blinken, announcing the actions in a statement, said the law would “stifle the exercise of freedoms of association and expression”, and impede the work of independent media organisations.
The legislation sparked major protests in Georgia, with opponents decrying it as authoritarian and Russian-inspired. The Georgian ruling party says it is needed to ensure transparency in foreign funding of non-governmental organisations and protect the country’s sovereignty.
The visa restriction policy will apply to individuals Mr Blinken said were “responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia”, as well as their family members.
“As we review the relationship between our two countries, we will take into account Georgia’s actions in deciding our own,” he added.
Earlier on May 23, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Washington of blackmailing Georgia. REUTERS
