The first step to correct this situation should be taken by the Georgian government

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Senator Gene Shaheen and Representative Mike Turner issued a joint statement after a meeting in Georgia. Senator Shaheen said the first step to correct the situation should be taken by the Georgian government and the United States is awaiting that step.

“In light of increasing aggression by authoritarian states like Russia, which invaded Georgia 16 years ago, we must reiterate America’s strong support for the Georgian people’s right to a sovereign nation that can determine its own future.

In meetings with government officials and civil society organizations, we reiterated our commitment to supporting the Georgian people’s aspirations for European integration, but we also said we would not stand idly by in the face of rolling back democratic progress and targeted false narratives against Georgia and the United States.

We need to see free and fair elections and a good faith effort to repeal the Foreign Agents Act, which does more harm than good to the country on its path to EU membership. The first step to correct this situation should be taken by the Georgia government, and we are awaiting their proposal,” said Senator Gene Shahini.

Mike Turner once again noted that the Georgian government’s anti-democratic behavior has caused concern in the United States and that what is important now is that the upcoming elections are held fairly.

“The U.S. relationship with Georgia has historically been one of the strongest in the region, but recent developments that run counter to democratic values have caused significant concern in both the United States and the European Union. Senator Shaheen and I have made clear that these concerns are bipartisan and that U.S. policy will not change, regardless of changes in U.S. administrations.

The October parliamentary elections must be free, fair, and transparent to the Georgian people and international observers. I thank Senator Shahin for his unwavering commitment to the U.S.-Zorban relationship and for inviting me to visit with him at this critical time,” said Congressman Turner.