The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the bipartisan Megobari Act, which supports the aspirations of the people of Georgia for integration into Euro-Atlantic structures and imposes sanctions on officials of the governing party Georgian Dream and its allies undermining this path. Following this approval, the bill has been sent to other committees in the US Senate for review.
The bill, initiated and supported by senators from both the Republican and Democratic parties on 27 March, states that “the current government of Georgia has become increasingly hostile to the country’s independent civil society and its key Euro-Atlantic partners, while strengthening ties with Russia, China, and other anti-Western authoritarian regimes.”
“The Georgian people have made clear their Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and the U.S. must continue to support them against Georgian Dream efforts to erode their democratic institutions. At a time when Russia seeks to undermine democracies across the region, we cannot turn our backs on a key partner striving for a free and democratic future. I look forward to working with Chairman Risch to expeditiously move this bill through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,” Senator Jeanne Shaheen said, outlining the goals of the MEGOBARI Act.
Senator Chris Coons said: “Georgia’s shift towards authoritarianism will provoke a clear response from America. I appreciate the bipartisan efforts of Senator Shaheen and Senator Risch to defend democracy in Georgia. The Georgian people deserve free and fair elections, and an open opportunity to determine their country’s future. Senators from all parties are closely monitoring developments in Georgia. The government of this country should know that both Republicans and Democrats are watching every step it takes to pressure and repress the media. The move toward authoritarianism will provoke a clear response from America,” said the senator.
According to a statement released by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the bipartisan MEGOBARI Act S.868] includes the following provisions:
Support for democracy and the rule of law. The Act outlines US policy to protect democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law in Georgia. It acknowledges significant progress made by Georgia’s civil society and emphasizes the importance of strengthening democracy for regional stability.
Combating backsliding on democracy. In response to recent backsliding on democracy in Georgia, the Act calls for increased scrutiny of the Georgian government’s actions and its ties with Russia and other authoritarian regimes.
Accountability and sanctions. It mandates reports on corrupt activities in Georgia that support Russian interests and help Russia evade sanctions.
Russian intelligence activities. It calls for an assessment of Russian intelligence penetration in Georgia and potential cooperation with Chinese intelligence agencies.
Sanctions on Georgian citizens. It calls for identifying individuals undermining democracy in Georgia and imposing sanctions and entry bans to the US against them.
Creation of a democracy monitoring working group. A working group will be created to monitor and foster Georgia’s democratic environment, especially during elections, to ensure fair and free electoral processes.
Enhancing and supporting bilateral relations. Following confirmation of significant democratic progress in Georgia, the Act outlines further US assistance, including: Negotiations on a more preferential trade agreement with Georgia; Expanding exchanges and streamlining visa procedures; Developing an economic package; Providing security and defense support to counter Russian aggression.
