Tbilisi (GBC) - The US Helsinki Commission will hold a hearing on Georgia today at 22:30 Tbilisi time, titled “From Partner to Problem: Georgia’s Anti-American Detour”.
The commission’s statement highlights concerns over Georgia’s political direction:
“Georgia was once a core U.S. partner and a beacon of freedom in the Caucasus. Today, the ruling Georgian Dream party is dragging the country back into Russia’s orbit and deepening their relationship with China and other U.S. adversaries. Over the past few years, Georgian Dream has crippled Georgia’s institutions and further undermined Georgia’s sovereignty by courting Chinese investment while blocking U.S. businesses from Middle Corridor trade and access to Central Asian rare earth minerals. They have jailed opposition, used violence against peaceful protestors, and refused to relinquish their grip on power after elections widely viewed as illegitimate. This poses an immediate and serious threat to U.S. interests in the region.
This hearing will examine the global consequences of Georgia’s slide into authoritarianism. Witnesses will also explore U.S. policy options, such as passage of the bipartisan MEGOBARI Act, to assist the people of Georgia as they seek to maintain their independence and longstanding, mutually beneficial relationship with the United States”, - the statement reads.
The hearing will examine the global implications of Georgia’s slide toward authoritarianism and explore potential U.S. policy options, including the bipartisan MEGOBARI Act, designed to support the Georgian people in safeguarding their independence and fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States.
Testimony at the hearing will include Georgia’s fifth president Salome Zurabishvili, former Defense Minister Tinatin Khidasheli, and Hudson Institute senior fellow Luke Koff.