A number of Georgian NGOs have issued a joint statement criticizing the actions of the authorities and expressing support for the strategic partnership between Georgia and the United States.
Instead of heeding the recommendations of their American partners and taking steps to strengthen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, the authorities, according to the NGOs, continue their confrontation with international allies.
The organizations believe that US criticism is not directed against Georgia, but rather aims to support the country’s democratic development. They also argue that attempts to portray Western partners as adversaries damage national interests.
The statement emphasizes that the US has for decades supported Georgia’s independence, security, economic development, and Euro-Atlantic integration. The authors of the document recalled that many reforms carried out in the country in recent years were made possible thanks to the support of American and European partners.
The NGOs stated that the responsibility for the deteriorating investment climate, declining international trust, and current economic challenges lies with the current authorities. Investors and international partners, the letter points out, cannot feel confident when questions arise regarding the independence of the judiciary and compliance with democratic standards.
Particular attention in the statement is paid to the recent visit of a US State Department delegation to Georgia. The authors note that the American side expressed readiness to deepen cooperation in the areas of security and economy, but pointed to the need for a stable and predictable environment based on democratic principles.
The signatories declare that the aggressive rhetoric of Georgian government representatives toward the US contradicts the country’s national interests, undermines its international reputation, and could negatively affect investment attraction and job creation.
Concluding the statement, the NGOs reaffirmed their support for the strategic partnership between Georgia and the US, emphasizing that the country’s future is linked to democratic development and Euro-Atlantic integration.
The statement was signed by the following organizations:
- “International Transparency” (Transparency International Georgia);
- Economic Policy Research Center;
- “Sapari”;
- Civil Society Foundation;
- “Prevention for Progress”;
- Georgia’s Future Academy;
- “Green Alternative”;
- EECMD;
- “European Orbit of Georgia”;
- Democracy Research Institute;
- Human Rights Center (HRC);
- Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI);
- Tbilisi Pride;
- Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA);
- “Rights Georgia”;
- “Fair Elections” (ISFED).