We would like to make it clear to the current leaders of the [Georgian] government, "Georgian Dream", that their actions will have consequences - what is happening in Georgia affects our military ties as well, - said American Senator Jeanne Shaheen in an interview with the Georgian edition of "Voice of America".
According to her, what the Georgian government does will have results, and it will also affect the aid from the USA.
"We hope this will be a very, very strong message to the Georgian government that there will be consequences for what they are doing. It will affect the aid they receive from the United States and it will affect the relationship in ways that are not good for [Georgia's] leaders, especially when the vast majority of their population looks westward, wants to be part of the European Union, looks toward NATO, and is very positive toward the United States", says the senator.
In addition, according to the senator, what is happening in Georgia now affects the military relations between the countries.
"As you know, we had very good military relations after [Georgia] gained independence. We would like to clearly state that what is happening in Georgia now affects the military relations between the countries. While this [our] legislative initiative is being introduced separately, it is also reflected in the defense bill that just passed the Armed Services Committee," said Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
In addition, according to her, non-governmental organizations will not be able to continue their activities within the framework of the "Transparency of Foreign Influence" law adopted by the government.
"We talked to non-governmental organizations in Georgia, our own National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute, which did such a good job in Georgia. They tell us that within the framework of this law, they will not be able to continue their activities. So [the bill we submitted] will impose sanctions on the people who were involved in the adoption of this law," says Jeanne Shaheen.
For reference, a bipartisan bill, the "Georgian People's Act," has been introduced in Congress by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, which would make permanent visa restrictions for Georgian officials and their family members.
