US Department of State: Georgian leaders hinder reforms for joining EU, NATO

US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien has stated that the Georgian political leaders are obstructing complex reforms necessary for the country's joining the EU and NATO.

O'Brien made these remarks in a committee of the US Congress while reviewing the budget for fiscal 2024-2025, Caliber.Az reports citing the Georgian media.

He noted that the EU repeatedly informed the Georgian government that violence against the opposition, the "foreign agent law" and the provision of a Chinese company with a contract for the construction of the Anaklia port threaten the opportunity towards the European integration.

"Some expenditures account for the Euro-Atlantic integration. There has been a historic movement towards consolidation over the past two years. The EU has made offers to nine countries having certain opportunities to join the EU. The discussions were also held in NATO regarding the accession of these countries or establishing closer relations with NATO. We see a certain reaction in some countries, for example, in Georgia. The Georgian leaders are obstructing complex reforms necessary for joining the EU and NATO. We must work together to prevent this. We also see that Russia is trying to intensify activity in this sphere," he added.

O'Brien noted that more than 80 per cent of Georgia's citizens support the opportunity to join the EU and NATO.

“Proceeding from the Georgian Dream party's version of the Georgian Constitution, Georgia wants to be a member of the EU and NATO. The EU and the US have repeatedly said this week that the violence against the opposition, the 'foreign agent law,' and the provision of a Chinese company with a contract threaten the opportunity to join the EU and NATO, supported by more than 80 per cent of Georgia's citizens,” he added.

Earlier, Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Shalva Papuashvili signed the law on foreign agents adopted by the parliament. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili was supposed to approve the document, but she refused to do so. After the speaker's signature, the law came into force.

"I signed the law 'On Transparency of Foreign Influence'. The purpose of this law is to strengthen Georgia's political, economic and social systems against foreign interference," Papuashvili announced.