United States President Joe Biden has issued a special statement expressing deep concern about the democratic processes taking place in Georgia. The President emphasized the US’s long-standing support for Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
According to Biden’s statement, particularly concerning is the recently adopted legislation that bears similarities to Russian restrictive laws. These laws significantly narrow the operational possibilities of civil society organizations and limit fundamental freedoms.
“Therefore, I am deeply concerned about the country’s recent democratic backsliding, including the adoption of legislation that copies Russian laws that restrict fundamental freedoms and limit the space for independent civil society organizations.
The recent parliamentary elections held in Georgia on October 26 were accompanied by numerous documented abuses of administrative resources, as well as voter intimidation and coercion.
Georgian citizens have the right to peacefully express their views on the conduct of these elections, which independent international and local observers have not qualified as free and fair. We call on the Georgian government to transparently investigate all electoral violations, repeal laws such as the so-called Foreign Influence Law that restricts freedom of assembly and expression, and immediately begin dialogue with all Georgian political forces to restore electoral fairness.
We call on all parties to strictly respect the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, which remain the foundation of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future,” the statement reads.
