Politics
NATO appoints new special rep for South Caucasus
Kevin Hamilton has been appointed as NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia. Hamilton is responsible for carrying forward the Alliance's policy in these two strategically important regions. He is also Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Partnerships, in the Political Affairs and Security Policy Division. A career member of the Canadian Foreign Service, he served from 2023 to 2026 as Canada's Ambassador to Türkiye, with concurrent accreditation to Azerbaijan and Georgia. He earlier served as Ambassador to Romania, Bulgaria, and the Republic of Moldova (2016–2020).
UK sanctions Georgia’s Imedi and POSTV over ‘Russian disinformation’
The UK has sanctioned Georgian media outlets Imedi and POSTV for ‘involvement in Russian disinformation’. The UK imposed the same three sets of sanctions on both entities — ‘asset freeze, trust services sanctions, director disqualification sanctions’ — meaning that all assets or properties held by the companies in the UK will be frozen, it will become illegal for UK citizens to help create or manage trusts for the companies, and the individuals running the companies will be barred from running any other UK-based company. In total, the UK has now imposed sanctions on over 3,000 individuals, companies, and vessels under its Russia sanctions regime.
24 Countries Invoke OSCE Moscow Mechanism on Georgia
Twenty-four countries have invoked the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism on January 29, to launch an expert mission on the deteriorating human rights situation in Georgia, according to a statement published on the UK government’s website. The countries that backed invoking the mechanism include Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. The Moscow Mechanism, part of the OSCE’s human dimension framework, allows participating countries to establish an expert mission to investigate serious human rights violations in any member country. It is administered by the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). This marks the 17th invocation of the mechanism since its establishment in 1991. The mechanism is meant “to establish a fact-finding mission to assess Georgia’s implementation of its OSCE commitments, with a particular focus on developments since spring 2024.” The move follows the earlier invocation of the Vienna Mechanism – another OSCE “Human Dimension” tool to monitor the implementation of human rights and democracy commitments by member states – against Georgia by 38 states in December 2024. At the time, the countries invited Georgia to provide concrete and substantive responses to a number of human rights concerns amid ongoing pro-EU protests. “We have followed closely and with increasing concern the human rights situation in Georgia. As an OSCE participating State, Georgia has undertaken to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms. It has also recognised that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is an essential factor for the peace, justice and well-being necessary to ensure the development of friendly relations and co-operation among States. In December 2024, 38 participating States invoked the OSCE Vienna Mechanism, in order to express concern about developments in Georgia and to request more information. Georgia’s response at the time left unanswered questions about accountability for police brutality against protestors in December 2024 and January 2025. Indeed those acts were at that time assessed as “unlawful violence against citizens…that may amount to torture.” To this day no official has been held accountable for such violence. Moreover, questions persist about respect for the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, association, and freedom of expression. Since the invocation of the Vienna Mechanism, dozens more Georgians have been detained on politicised charges, including journalists and opposition leaders. Our delegations as well as others have repeatedly raised our concerns in the Permanent Council, believing the Council is an important forum to promote dialogue and consultations among participating States. However our concerns about implementation of shared human dimension commitments and international human rights obligations by the Georgian authorities have only increased. On 28 October the Georgian Parliament announced a lawsuit to ban leading opposition parties. Nine opposition leaders have since been indicted and some face up to fifteen years in prison if found guilty. Such a step represents a major escalation in the erosion of democratic norms in Georgia and is incompatible with OSCE principles and commitments. Our concerns include, but are not limited to: legislative reforms designed to supress dissenting voices and restrict space for civil society and independent media to operate; legal actions designed to ban opposition parties; election integrity, especially in the light of the local elections; active spreading of disinformation by media outlets affiliated to the ruling party; campaigns against diplomatic representatives; constraints on freedom of association, expression and the media; politically motivated arrests and prosecutions; misuse of the judicial system to enforce a system of repression; allegations of mistreatment of persons deprived of liberty; excessive violence and arbitrary detentions; as well as harassment and intimidation of opposition politicians, human rights defenders and journalists. Recalling that all participating States have committed to co-operative review of implementation of commitments in the field of the human dimension and in particular participating States’ agreement at Astana that “commitments undertaken in the field of the human dimension are matters of direct and legitimate concern to all participating States”, we invoke paragraph 12 of the 1991 Document of the Moscow meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension of the then CSCE in order to establish a fact-finding mission to assess Georgia’s implementation of its OSCE commitments, with a particular focus on developments since spring[] 2024. We note Georgia’s response to questions raised in the 2024 Vienna Mechanism and urge Georgia to cooperate with and facilitate the work of the Mission, as per paragraph 6 of the Moscow Document. We recall that in accordance with paragraph 10 of the Moscow Document, one member of the Mission may be chosen by Georgia from the List of Experts for the Human Dimension Mechanism maintained by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. The Mission should give an objective and unbiased report and recommendations, establishing the facts and providing recommendations and advice. It will be tasked, inter alia, to: Document recent developments in Georgia in respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms Assess the impact of these developments including for Georgian civil society, freedom of the media, the rule of law and independence of the judiciary, political pluralism and other structural components of a democratic society which underpin the OSCE’s comprehensive definition of security Provide recommendations on how to address matters of concern. Bearing in mind the ongoing Russian military presence in Georgia’s occupied breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the Mission will confine its report to areas of Georgian territory under Tbilisi control. We encourage the Mission to apply a gender-sensitive approach to its assessment. We look forward to working with the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on arrangements for the Mission,” the joint statement reads. Under the OSCE’s human-dimension mechanisms, Georgia has a set period, typically 10 days, to respond to the request about inviting an expert mission. If Georgia declines or does not formally invite the mission, a group of at least six OSCE participating States can instead appoint a mission of independent rapporteurs to visit Georgia and produce a report, without Tbilisi’s agreement on the composition of that group. Should Georgia accept the fact-finding mission, it can participate in appointing three human rights experts from the pre-established roster.
US Embassy: Georgia is one of 8 partner nations chosen to participate in prestigious exercise Phoenix Express 2026
Georgia is participating in the international maritime exercise Phoenix Express 2026, the US Embassy in Georgia announced on social media. “Georgia is one of 8 partner nations chosen to participate in this prestigious exercise,” the Embassy wrote. The Georgian Border Police reported that the exercise was held in Tunis, Republic of Tunisia, and lasted four days. During the training, personnel from the Coast Guard Department of the Georgian Border Police carried out their assigned tasks at the Training Management Center. Phoenix Express is an international maritime security exercise aimed at strengthening cooperation, interoperability, and maritime safety among partner nations.
Major General Eray Üngüder Conducted Official Visit to Georgia
From 8 to 11 December 2025, Major General Eray Üngüder, Director of the Cooperative Security Division of NATO's International Military Staff, conducted an official visit to Georgia. During the visit, Major General Üngüder, who was appointed to his current position in August 2025, received comprehensive briefings on the ongoing and planned activities of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia. The discussions highlighted cooperation across the full range of available partnership tools. Major General Üngüder visited the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP) Office, where he met with the NATO Core Team to exchange views on current initiatives implemented under the SNGP. He also paid a courtesy call on Paata Patiashvili, Deputy Minister of Defence, and senior military leadership of the Georgian Defence Forces and visited the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center (JTEC), and the Defence Institution Building School (DIBS). Concluding his visit, Major General Üngüder officially opened the NATO-Georgia Military Staff Talks, held for the fourth time in 2025.
EU Hands Visa Liberalization Plan To Armenia
More than a year after launching official talks on visa liberalization with the European Union, Armenia has received from Brussels an action plan outlining the steps the country must take to qualify for visa-free travel. Armenia’s Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsian met on Wednesday with Johannes Luchner, Deputy Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission, who visited Yerevan to present the plan to the Armenian side. According to Sargsian, the action plan serves as a strategic framework for reforms in citizen mobility and public security and represents a “key stage in strengthening trust and cooperation” between Armenia and the EU. During the meeting, the main directions of the action plan were reportedly discussed, with the EU official praising Armenia’s steps toward visa liberalization. The delivery of the action plan follows the launch of official visa liberalization talks between Armenia and the EU in September 2024. At that time, Armenian and EU officials outlined a process that focuses on crucial areas for eventual visa-free travel, including document security, border and migration management, the fight against corruption and organized crime as well as upholding fundamental rights. EU representatives have emphasized that all benchmarks must be fully met before the Council of the EU and the European Parliament can make a final decision. In March, the Armenian parliament passed a bill calling on the government to begin the process of applying for European Union membership. The bill, known as the EU Integration Act, was signed into law by the country’s president the following month, making it formally part of Armenia’s legislation.
Germany Recalls Ambassador for Consultations
Berlin has recalled German Ambassador to Georgia Peter Fischer for consultations, citing what the Foreign Office described as Georgian leaders “agitating” against the EU, Germany, and the ambassador personally. “For many months, the Georgian leadership has been agitating against the EU, Germany, also German Ambassador Fischer personally,” the German Foreign Office announced on X on October 19, adding that Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul therefore decided to recall Ambassador Fischer “for consultations on how to proceed.” “Tomorrow, the EU Foreign Affairs Council will address Georgia,” the Foreign Office added.
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen to visit South-Caucasus
The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, will visit Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia from 13 to 15 October for meetings with high-level government officials, as well as representatives of civil society and think tanks. The agenda includes, among other items, the progress in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, with particular attention to the conclusion of the OSCE Minsk Process and its related structures. In Georgia, meetings will focus on Georgia’s internal and external challenges, with a focus on the continued support of the OSCE to the Geneva International Discussions to address the consequences of the 2008 war. Finland, as Chair of the OSCE in 2025, places strong importance on safeguarding civic space and ensuring an enabling environment for civil society. This priority will be underlined throughout the visit.
Moldova's pro-EU party wins vote mired in claims of Russian interference
BBC The pro-European party of Moldovan President Maia Sandu has claimed victory and a new majority in parliament in Sunday's elections seen as critical for her country's future path to the EU. Sandu had warned of "massive Russian interference" after voting, saying the future of Moldova, flanked by Ukraine and Romania, was at stake. Igor Grosu, the leader of Sandu's Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) which secured about 50% of the vote, said Russia had thrown "everything it had" at the election. Opposition leader Igor Dodon had claimed victory even before results came in and called for protests outside parliament in the capital Chisinau on Monday. Recent Moldovan votes have been far closer, but soon after polls closed it became clear that Sandu's party was on course for another majority in the 101-seat parliament. Four years ago, the president's party won 52.20% of the vote, and based on the latest results it is now set to clinch 55 seats. To form a government it will not need to rely on support from other parties, such as the Alternativa bloc or the populist Our Party.
Most Georgians support EU membership, according to latest opinion poll
Almost three-quarters of Georgians (74%) would vote for EU membership and only five per cent against if a referendum were held this week, according to the 2025 annual survey of opinion in Georgia, with 80% saying membership would bring more advantages than disadvantages to the country. This latest survey was conducted in May 2025 and involved face-to-face interviews with a representative sample of just over 1,000 people across the country. The opinion polls have been carried out annually by the EUNEIGHBOURS east Programme in Georgia and the five other countries of the Eastern Partnership since 2016. The EU continues to be the most trusted international actor among Georgians, trusted by 67% of respondents, though the number of those who think their country has good relations with the EU is down to 63% this year. Awareness of EU financial support to Georgia remains high at 70%, with almost half of those asked (48%) saying it was effective. Respondents felt the EU should play a greater role in education and lifelong learning (37%), economic development and trade (36%), and health (34%). Asked which factors could make Georgians more positively disposed towards the EU, respondents pointed to greater support for Georgia’s economic development (59%), security (39%), and education, exchanges, and local infrastructure (38%).
Armenia, UK agree to upgrade ties to Strategic Partnership
On 26 August 2025, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Vahan Kostanyan, and the Minister of State for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories of the United Kingdom, the Rt Hon Stephen Doughty MP, held the second round of the Armenia-UK Strategic Dialogue in Yerevan. Building on the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Dialogue held in London in 2023, the two parties reviewed the progress achieved and reaffirmed the importance of regular high-level exchanges to further strengthen and expand the bilateral partnership between Armenia and the United Kingdom, the parties said in a joint communiqué. The parties reiterated their unwavering commitment to democracy, rule of law, and the protection of fundamental human rights both regionally and globally, based on shared values, respect for international law, democratic principles, and a rules-based international order. The Armenian side briefed on the country’s ongoing democratic transformation, including efforts in strengthening democracy, advancing the rule of law and protection of human rights, enhancing anti-corruption measures. The United Kingdom commended Armenia’s progress and reiterated its support for the continuation of these reforms. The parties agreed to upgrade the relationship to a Strategic Partnership. Both parties discussed expanding cooperation in the areas of security and defence, including future high-level engagements, the exchange of defence attachés, and closer cooperation in the fields of cyber security and countering hybrid threats. In the context of upgrading the relationship, the importance of continuing to deepen economic ties was underscored by both parties. The parties looked forward to furthering business relations and to drive growth through collaboration, including support for Armenia’s inclusive economic development, reform and diversification in partnership with International Financial Institutions. The parties discussed the Armenia/UK Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Armenia recognised the potential of United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF) to further boost trade and investment. The parties also welcomed the growth of people-to-people contacts and emphasised the significance of further cooperation in education, culture, and professional exchange. Turning to regional and international issues, the parties exchanged views on key developments, including the situation in the Middle East. Special attention was given to the South Caucasus. The United Kingdom welcomed the recent agreements reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington D.C., emphasizing that these represent a decisive step towards full normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, based on mutual recognition of each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognised borders in line with the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration. The parties reaffirmed the importance of the opening of communications between Armenia and Azerbaijan for the promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and in its neighborhood on the basis of reciprocity and respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction of the States. The parties also discussed the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative as a platform for enhanced regional connectivity and economic cooperation. Looking ahead, the parties discussed Armenia's hosting of two major international events in 2026: The European Political Community Summit and the 17th Conference of the parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). The United Kingdom expressed its readiness to support Armenia in the successful organisation of COP17, ensuring that the conference delivers concrete and meaningful outcomes. The Dialogue concluded with a mutual reaffirmation of the shared commitment to deepen bilateral relations and expand close collaboration by establishing a Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Armenia and the United Kingdom
The U.S. Department of State has published a report on human rights in Georgia
Throughout the year, among the significant negative developments regarding human rights in Georgia was the enactment of the so-called “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence,” according to the 2024 Human Rights Report on Georgia published by the U.S. Department of State. The document emphasizes that, according to credible non-governmental organizations, the so-called “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence” restricted freedom of expression and association. Additionally, the report notes that other significant negative developments in terms of human rights included the so-called “Law on Family Values and Protection of Minors,” which criminalized certain forms of expression, as well as a campaign of intimidation, coercion, and misuse of administrative resources that restricted freedom of expression, particularly in connection with the October parliamentary elections. The document highlights that significant human rights issues included credible reports of: “torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; arbitrary arrests or detentions; serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, including violence and threats of violence against citizens and journalists, unjust arrests and criminal prosecutions of journalists, and the chilling effect of the so-called transparency and family values laws.” The document notes that the government took steps to investigate and punish some officials involved in human rights violations, but impunity remained a problem. Furthermore, the report addresses Georgia’s occupied regions, specifically noting that in 2024, the regions of Abkhazia and the so-called South Ossetia, occupied by Russia, remained outside the control of the central government, with de facto authorities supported by Russian forces. “Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia remained outside central-government control, and de facto authorities were supported by Russian forces. Significant human rights issues in the occupied regions included credible reports of arbitrary arrest and detention. Russian and de facto authorities in both regions committed abuses with impunity,” the document states. The report also addresses press freedom, noting that the constitution and law provided for freedom of expression, including for the press and other media representatives. However, journalists, non-governmental organizations, and the international community expressed serious concerns about the government’s respect for freedom of expression. “These concerns focused on the worsening environment and legislation for media pluralism, as well as violence and threats of violence against journalists. The Foreign Influence law (FIL), which was enacted on May 28, required civil society organizations (CSOs) and media that received at least 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as “objects of foreign influence.” Restrictions on access to information also continued to be a concern. NGOs reported previous criminal investigations of illegal government surveillance of journalists remained pending,” the report states. The document notes that from April to June, during large-scale protests in Tbilisi against the so-called “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence,” and from November 28 to December, during demonstrations in support of the European Union, several journalists reported that police attacked them, harassed them, used “pepper spray,” or damaged their equipment. “On December 7, more than 30 titushki (unidentified assailants typically dressed in all black with their faces covered) physically assaulted protesters and then turned to attack TV Pirveli journalist Maka Chikhladze and camera operator Georgi Shetsiruli, who were filming them. After beating Chikhladze and Shetsiruli to the ground, they took away all Shetsiruli’s belongings. According to Chikhladze and witnesses, patrol police standing nearby did not react or intervene to stop the attack. A video posted by civil.ge (the Tbilisi-based daily news website run by Georgian NGO UN Association of Georgia), allegedly taken minutes before titushki attacked journalists, showed signs of coordination between police and assailants. Social media also documented several reported instances of patrol police not intervening when alleged titushki assaulted media and demonstrators, and in some cases appeared to direct or cooperate with titushki. Journalists and activists reported receiving harassing and threatening telephone calls and instances of vandalism against their homes and offices, including offensive posters and damage to vehicles. The government investigated unauthorized access to citizens’ telephone numbers linked to these events. The media ombudsman identified 15 cases of rights violations and restrictions involving 15 journalists covering protests against the FIL in front of and surrounding parliament in April and May. Several international media watchdogs, along with the media ombudsman and the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Safety of Journalists, reported at least 30 violations of media freedom during October 26 elections, including damage to equipment, verbal or physical attacks, and intimidation. The government had not investigated these reports by year’s end,” the document states. According to the report, in late November and throughout December, “In late November and throughout December, authorities or unidentified assailants believed to be acting on behalf of the ruling Georgian Dream party violently targeted dozens of media professionals covering protests. The attacks included beatings and exposure to pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons. Reported severe injuries included fractured vertebrae, facial fractures, and chemical burns; several journalists required hospitalization.” The document notes that government officials were not held accountable for the violence and harassment. “Media organizations continued to express concern over the Tbilisi Court of Appeals’ decision to reduce sentences for individuals responsible for violence against peaceful demonstrators in 2021, who were granted amnesty on November 16 based on a bill passed by the ruling party. None of the organizers of these attacks were charged,” the document states.
President Erdogan: Türkiye, Georgia to work 'shoulder to shoulder' for regional cooperation, peace
Türkiye and Georgia will continue to work "shoulder to shoulder" for regional cooperation, peace, and development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday at a joint press conference with his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Kavelashvili. Erdogan stressed the strategic importance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway, calling it “the backbone of the Middle Corridor,” and noted its significance as it begins operating at full capacity. Erdogan stressed that the bilateral trade volume has surpassed $3 billion in recent years, adding: “We are steadily moving toward our new goal of $5 billion.” President Erdogan also expressed hope that their strategic partnership would deepen further with public backing.
Zurabishvili discusses the ongoing developments with the US President-elect Donald Trump
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili is in Paris, France, for the opening of the restored Notre Dame cathedral, an event attended by many world leaders, including the President-elect Donald Trump. On December 7 President Zurabishvili met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She also released information about meetings with the President of France Emmanuel Macron, US President-elect Donald Trump, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Polish President Andrzej Duda. The visit of the Georgian President to Paris took place amidst the massive popular protests in Georgia against the Georgian Dream government decision to postpone accession negotiations process with EU. Ukrainian President wrote: “I expressed Ukraine’s full support and solidarity with the Georgian people, who are fighting for their dignified future, and emphasized that respecting the will of the Georgian people and preventing Ivanishvili’s government from surrendering the country to Putin is essential for the stability and future of the region.” He further noted that for Russia, this is not just about Georgia adding that “it is about control of the Black Sea region – a strategic Russian goal that poses a threat to the national security of everyone in the region and across Europe.” President Zelenskyy assured President Zurabishvili that “Ukraine will coordinate with partners, not just in Europe but globally, to deliver a systemic response and support the Georgian people in defending their right to live freely and independently.” While on a visit in Paris, Salome Zurabishvili had opportunity to discuss the ongoing developments with the US President-elect Donald Trump. Georgian President said she had an in-depth discussion with President Trump and President Macron. She stated: “I exposed the stolen elections and the extremely alarming repression against the Georgian people. I emphasized the need for a strong United States. The Georgian people have a friend in Donald Trump. God bless the United States of America.” President Zurabishvili wrote she had an excellent discussion with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and discussed with her “the alarming repression undergoing in Georgia.” Following the meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Salome Zurabishvili thanked the Polish President for standing with Georgia “personally and on behalf of the Polish nation at all times, especially during these dark hours of repression and terror. We trust and believe that Georgians with Poland’s support, will prevail and our shared European future will unite us!” the President said on X.
UK Halts Aid and limits engagement with Georgian Government
The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced the suspension of all program support to the Georgian government, as well as restrictions on defense cooperation and engagement with the Georgian government in response to the recent crackdown on protests in Georgia. In an issued statement, Lammy condemned the “shocking scenes of violence towards protestors and journalists” by Georgian authorities, saying the actions are “unacceptable and must stop.” “The shocking scenes of violence towards protestors and journalists by the Georgian authorities are unacceptable and must stop. These actions tarnish Georgia’s international standing and fly in the face of Georgia’s constitutional commitment to a European future. In light of ongoing events, the UK will immediately suspend all programme support to the Georgian government, restrict defence cooperation, and limit engagement with representatives of Georgian Dream government until there is a halt to this move away from European democratic norms and freedoms. The UK will continue to stand by the people of Georgia in supporting their right to choose their country’s future,” the Foreign Secretary stated. Amid ongoing pro-EU protests in Georgia, sparked by the Georgian Dream government’s decision to postpone EU accession until 2028, several international developments have occurred. On November 28, after the October 26 elections, Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, announced that the Swedish government would halt direct cooperation with the Georgian government. Subsequently, on November 30, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the United States had suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia due to the Georgian Dream government’s decision to delay EU accession. Additionally, Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, announced that no new development cooperation projects with Georgia would be approved or commissioned, and no loan agreements would be signed. These measures reflect growing international concerns over Georgia’s move away from the European path.
Georgia discussed at the US Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the implementation of the Magnitsky Act
On December 5 the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing on the implementation of the Global Magnitsky laws, to discuss ways to further strengthen and improve the implementation of the sanctions tool and to better coordinate with other countries. Discussions, among other issues, focused on Georgia and the continuing human rights abuses of demonstrators by the Georgian government, with a hope expressed that Magnitsky sanctions would be helpful in addressing the human rights abuses of the Georgian people by the ruling authorities. The two witnesses heard at the Committee hearing were Adam Kieth, Senior Director of Human Rights First, and William Browder, Chief Executive Officer of Hermitage Capital Management, one of the initiators of the Magnitsky Act, a sanctions tool designed to impose global individual sanctions for human rights abuses and corruption. During the deliberations, the Ranking Member Senator James Risch noted that: “In the past weeks the Georgian government has brutally cracked down on pro-EU demonstrations. We have to consider how we can use tools at our disposal to defend basic rights and preserve the environment where people can freely and fairly decide their future.” He referred to the telephone call the same morning between the Committee members and the President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili, which he said was “enlightening.” Chairman Senator Ben Cardin further added: “We hope the Magnitsky sanctions will be helpful to get Georgia to the right path”, adding the actions of the “current authorities” towards the population of Georgia are “unacceptable.” Senator Jeanne Shaheen said that “the situation in Georgia is getting increasingly dire. We’ve had on this committee a long-standing commitment to the Georgian people, I think we are all watching with great concern the deteriorating situation that we are seeing, with thousands of people in the streets to protest the Georgian Dream’s decision to suspend EU accession talks.” She asked witnesses a question about the link between corruption and human rights abuses, and “what role the corruption played in fueling a crisis in Georgia?” Bill Browder, one of the witnesses, said that “corruption is a crucial issue”. He stressed that Bidzina Ivanisvili, an oligarchic billionaire and informal ruler in Georgia, made his money in Russia through GASPROM and other state companies, which he said were “highly corrupt”. He said that Ivanisvhili then went back to Georiga. “So, how do Russians control him? They say: you made your money in ways that are potentially dubious, we can take it all away from you, open criminal cases, or we may do none of that, if you help us. So he’s been actively helping them ever since,” Boll Brodwer noted. He said: “So, it would be fair to say that the current illegitimate Georgian government is a Russian puppet government and Bidzina Ivanishvili plays a very active role in this situation.” He further added that the other side of the story is that “people who are corrupt and are in power, they don’t want the next government to investigate them” adding that they refuse to relinquish power and rig elections. “That’s the role corruption plays,” concluded the US Senator. Commenting on the general challenge to sanctions, particularly those imposed on Russia, which lies in the effective ways to avoid them he noted that Russians have found every way around sanctions, noting that „the Georgians, they are soft on it, so all the staff that’s not supposed to go to Russia is all coming in through Georgia. We know that there is a supply line coming in that way, there are a lot of leaks.” Senator Jeanne Shaheen said: “It’s important for us to send a message that there is a bilateral consensus in Senate and Congress on this issue regarding Georgia and we are not going to tolerate [this situation] without taking action against this gross abuse that’s taking place in the country.” Shaheen and U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement Sunday expressing concern about the violence unfolding in the aftermath of the Georgian government’s decision to suspend EU accession negotiations and called on the State Department to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for undermining Georgia and committing violence against peaceful protestors.
Georgia will become a NATO member, when allies assess that it is prepared to fulfill the obligations that come with membership, John Bass says
Ambassador John Bass, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, answered the question by Europetime. Q - „At the NATO summit held in Bucharest in 2008, allies decided that Georgia would join NATO. The decision was reaffirmed at the subsequent summits. During your tenure as U.S. ambassador to Georgia, we have repeatedly heard your comments regarding the integration of Georgia into NATO. How do your earlier assumptions and expectations align with the present dynamics and process of the country’s integration into the Alliance?” A - „I would first say that for many of us who spent time in Georgia or working with Georgians, particularly in the aftermath of the conflict in 2008 in which, yet again, Russia was attempting to determine how a neighboring country should live, dictate whether or not that country should be free to choose its own security relationships with, in this case, NATO – having been there in that period, it’s been very disturbing to see the evolution in recent years and particularly in recent months of the Georgian Dream government. And if someone were to ask straight up, as I think is implicit in the question, when will Georgia become a member of NATO, the answer is that Georgia will become a member, I think, when allies assess that it is prepared to fulfill the obligations that come with membership, including upholding principles – core principles of democratic governance, including the fundamental principle that people are free to choose their own leaders. And unfortunately, since I was ambassador in Georgia, we have not seen Georgia progress to meeting those objectives. And unfortunately, we’ve seen quite a bit of work, quite a bit of retrograde, if you will. And as the U.S. ambassador who worked quite hard to ensure that there were the conditions in place to allow Georgian Dream to compete fairly in the parliamentary elections of 2012, it is deeply disturbing to see that same group now eroding the foundations of democratic governance and society. And as a final observation, I would say it is both deeply disturbing and saddening to see the aspirations and dreams of an entire society being held hostage to the grievances of one individual: Bidzina Ivanishvili.“ John Bass was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 17, 2021, as the Under Secretary for Management. The Secretary of State designated John Bass as Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs on March 23, 2024. A career Senior Foreign Service officer, he served as Senior Advisor at the Foreign Service Institute from 2020-2021, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan 2017-2020, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey from 2014 to 2017, Executive Secretary of the State Department from 2012 to 2014, and U.S. Ambassador to Georgia from 2009 to 2012. He began his diplomatic career in 1988 and has also served in positions in U.S. missions in Iraq, Italy, Belgium, and Chad.
President: Today put an end to the constitutional coup, which started several months ago
On November 28, President Salome Zurabishvili made a statement after meeting with the Diplomatic Corps and opposition members. She said the Georgian Dream’s decision to abort the EU accession process has finalized the “constitutional coup” after the rigged October 26 parliamentary elections. She called on the EU to hold new elections in Georgia. President also called on the opposition to unite and urged Georgian ambassadors, civil servants, police, and the army to stand by Georgian people today. Zurabishvili said that the “illegitimate government’s” decision heralds the end of Georgian statehood, independence, and future, dragging it towards Russia. “Today, this illegitimate government has declared not peace but war,” Zurabishvili said, alluding to the Georgian Dream’s campaign promises of peace. The President criticized the European diplomats for being “late in their assessment of the situation” and said she urged them today “to immediately take all the decisions that should have been taken in the past months and to help the Georgian citizens hold new elections.” Zurabishvili called on all opposition members and CSO representatives to put aside their differences and pledged to stand by them as an embodiment of the “only remaining legitimate institution” as long as this unity holds. “Today, we need reasonable decisions made in coordination with each other,” she noted. She issued a separate call to civil servants: “It is time to make your decision… It is time to think about the future you’re leaving your children.” Addressing the Georgian Ambassadors abroad, Zurabishvili stressed: “We’ve already asked you once before: What are you doing today? Whom do you serve? What do you serve? Where are you? Can you imagine the absurdity you are living in? […] Russia will be here tomorrow if we don’t all raise our voices from wherever we are.” “I want to address the police, the real police, the police that serves the state, you are nothing without the state. And your duty in this state is to protect citizens, not slaves, not Russians, not foreigners, not traitors,” she continued. To Georgian soldiers, President Zurabishvili said: “I would like to address the army, whose hearts ache the most today because it cannot and should not do anything today. But it remains the most loyal to this country and is the most hurt by the return of this country to Russia.” She pledged to them, “Nobody will be able to take away our independence.”
Prime Minister: We have decided not to put the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028
In order that no one can use the issues as a weapon of blackmail against the Georgian people - we have decided not to put the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028 - Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said this at the press conference held at the party's office after the meeting between the parliamentary majority and the government team. According to Kobakhidze, the opening of interlocutors is used for blackmailing and dividing the society in the same way as the status of candidacy was used before. "We made a decision not to put the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028. Also, until the end of 2028, we refuse any budget grant from the European Union", said the Prime Minister. Kobakhidze also noted that the opening of negotiations on the issue of joining the European Union is used as a tool for blackmailing the country, as before, the same thing happened on the issue of candidate status. "It is categorically unacceptable to consider integration into the European Union as a mercy," said Kobakhidze, who also criticized the European Parliament for adopting a resolution on the issue of Georgia. President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili held an emergency meeting with the representatives of the diplomatic corps, the presidential administration reports. According to the President's administration, the meeting of the diplomatic corps and President Zurabishvili will be held in the Orbelian Palace. The extraordinary meeting was held after the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, made a statement on the issue of negotiations with the European Union after the meeting of the parliamentary majority and the government team.
According to Paweł Herczyński, due to the course of action taken by the Georgian government, EU leaders stopped Georgia’s accession process
EU says Georgia must change course before EU membership talks can begin. The European Commission on Wednesday told Georgia that it will not be able to recommend opening European Union membership talks with the country unless it changes course. According to the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński Georgia's setback is "unprecedented for a country that aspires to EU membership." „I have invited you to present the European Commission’s second enlargement report on Georgia. It is published just a few days after the parliamentary elections in which Georgia’s European future was a central theme. A year after Georgia was granted candidate status, it is timely to take stock of where Georgia is on its European path. The annual enlargement report exercise is common to all 10 countries that have applied to join the EU. It is a moment of assessment and reflection. The enlargement report focuses on progress in implementing fundamental reforms in all areas, and provides guidance on the reform priorities ahead. Accession to the EU is a strategic and sovereign choice of each country. However, once you apply, you accept the scrutiny from the European Commission of your country’s preparedness for EU membership. A year ago, this moment was an opportunity to celebrate. The Commission recommended granting EU candidate status to Georgia, a recommendation that was unanimously confirmed by the EU member states in December. For both the EU and the Georgian people, this was an unforgettable day of hope. It was, for me, the highlight of my professional career. One year later, today there are unfortunately not many reasons to celebrate. Due to the course of action taken by the Georgian government, EU leaders stopped Georgia’s accession process. It remains on hold as long as Georgia continues to move away from the EU, our values and our principles. Today’s report is a fair assessment of developments over the last 12 months. It recognises progress made in several technical files. For instance: In the energy sector a long-delayed market opening has partially begun; The reform ambitions in the fields of environment, climate and waste management have been noted; There have been important developments in public procurement. I wish I could report more such positive achievements. Regretfully, they are overshadowed by worrying democratic backsliding, and hostile anti-EU narratives and disinformation. Georgia’s candidate status was granted ‘on the understanding’ that nine steps – related mostly to rule of law and democracy – would be taken. Unfortunately, there was no sufficient political commitment by the Georgian authorities to implement the necessary reforms. Since last year’s report, Georgia has made insignificant progress on implementing most of the nine steps. Today’s report shows clear backsliding on the steps related to the fight against disinformation, political polarisation, on elections, and on human rights. The report also states that there has been backsliding on the most important chapter which concerns the ‘judiciary and fundamental rights’. Let me say clearly: this is unprecedented for a country that aspires to join the EU. EU accession is and will remain merit-based. It is fully dependent on the objective progress achieved by each country. This year, Georgia has gone backwards while other candidate countries have advanced, some of them already opening accession negotiations. One of the nine steps concerns the conduct of elections. The Parliamentary elections in Georgia were marked by serious irregularities. Irregularities that are not compatible with the standards expected from a candidate to the EU. Violations reported by international observers need to be swiftly, transparently and independently investigated. International observers have not declared the elections to be free and fair. Neither have they declared the contrary. What’s next? The future of EU-Georgia relations is now in the hands of the Georgian leaders. I invite the authorities to read this enlargement report very, very carefully. It offers a clear path to re-engagement and roadmap towards a possible EU membership of Georgia. But its implementation will require genuine political will and recommitment to our non-negotiable values and principles, upon which EU is built. The enlargement process is a merit-based process and only if Georgia delivers on the reforms, it will advance on the EU path. There are no secrets and no shortcuts. Georgia’s next government should reverse course, recommit to democratic principles and values if it wants to bring the country closer to the EU. This has to start with full transparency about the electoral process. The EU’s door remains open for Georgia. I sincerely hope that Georgian authorities will honour the aspirations of the Georgian people who have always supported Georgia’s European path. Please do not lose hope!“ Paweł Herczyński said.
