The News in Brief
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
US Suspends $95 Million in Aid to Georgia Over Democracy Concerns
The United States is halting more than $95 million in aid to the Georgian government due to worries about anti-democratic actions and false statements by Georgian leaders. This decision was announced by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Blinken said the Georgian government's actions do not meet the democratic standards expected for countries seeking to join the European Union and NATO. The aid being suspended was intended to support the Georgian government directly.
Even though this aid is being stopped, the US will still support programs that help the people of Georgia. The focus will be on improving democracy, the rule of law, and economic development in the country.
Over the last 32 years, the US has given more than $6.2 billion in aid to Georgia. This money has helped build schools, hospitals, and strengthen Georgia's military and coast guard.
Blinken assured that despite the aid suspension, the US remains committed to helping the Georgian people and supporting their goals for a stronger democracy and closer ties with Europe. "We will continue to stand by the Georgian people," he said.
US Helsinki Commission Urges Sanctions Against Bidzina Ivanishvili
The Helsinki Commission has called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to impose sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of Georgian Dream party.
In a letter signed by Congressmen Joe Wilson, Steve Cohen, Richard Hudson, and Mark Wiese, the commission supports Blinken's recent policy of visa restrictions on those undermining Georgia's democracy. However, they argue that more immediate action is needed to protect Georgian citizens and reinforce democratic norms.
The commission specifically targets Ivanishvili and his associates, urging the US to impose financial sanctions on them. They claim that Ivanishvili and his circle are central figures in corruption and anti-Western influence in Georgia. "It is essential that those who perpetuate corruption and undermine democracy face consequences," the letter reads.
US Suspends $95 Million in Aid to Georgia Over Democracy Concerns
Blinken said the Georgian government's actions do not meet the democratic standards expected for countries seeking to join the European Union and NATO. The aid being suspended was intended to support the Georgian government directly.
Even though this aid is being stopped, the US will still support programs that help the people of Georgia. The focus will be on improving democracy, the rule of law, and economic development in the country.
Over the last 32 years, the US has given more than $6.2 billion in aid to Georgia. This money has helped build schools, hospitals, and strengthen Georgia's military and coast guard.
Blinken assured that despite the aid suspension, the US remains committed to helping the Georgian people and supporting their goals for a stronger democracy and closer ties with Europe. "We will continue to stand by the Georgian people," he said.
US Helsinki Commission Urges Sanctions Against Bidzina Ivanishvili
In a letter signed by Congressmen Joe Wilson, Steve Cohen, Richard Hudson, and Mark Wiese, the commission supports Blinken's recent policy of visa restrictions on those undermining Georgia's democracy. However, they argue that more immediate action is needed to protect Georgian citizens and reinforce democratic norms.
The commission specifically targets Ivanishvili and his associates, urging the US to impose financial sanctions on them. They claim that Ivanishvili and his circle are central figures in corruption and anti-Western influence in Georgia. "It is essential that those who perpetuate corruption and undermine democracy face consequences," the letter reads.