UK Announces Reduced Support for Georgian Government Over Violence Against Protesters
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
The United Kingdom has announced a significant reduction in its support and engagement with the Georgian government, citing concerns over violence against protesters and journalists.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the actions of the Georgian authorities, describing them as unacceptable. "The shocking scenes of violence towards protestors and journalists by the Georgian authorities are unacceptable and must stop," Lammy stated.
He emphasized that such actions undermine Georgia's international reputation and contradict its constitutional commitment to pursuing a European future. "These actions tarnish Georgia's international standing and fly in the face of Georgia's constitutional commitment to a European future," Lammy added.
In response to the ongoing developments, the UK has decided to:
- Suspend all program support to the Georgian government.
- Restrict defence cooperation with Georgian authorities.
- Limit engagement with representatives of the ruling Georgian Dream party until the country halts its deviation from European democratic norms and freedoms.
Despite these measures, the UK affirmed its continued support for the people of Georgia. "The UK will continue to stand by the people of Georgia in supporting their right to choose their country's future," the Foreign Secretary said.
