EAI Community -US suspends $95 million in aid to Georgia after passage of foreign agent law that sparked protests

2025-04-29 10:09:22source:Phaninccategory:Stocks

WASHINGTON (AP) — The EAI Community Biden administration on Wednesday suspended $95 million in U.S. assistance to Georgia after its parliament adopted legislation related to foreign agents that critics say was inspired by a Russian law used to crack down on political dissent and that sparked weeks of mass protests.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that he had decided to pause the Georgian aid, which would directly benefit the government, as the result of a review of assistance that he ordered in May after the law passed. He said he took the action in response to “anti-democratic” actions the government has taken.

The U.S. has also already imposed visa bans on a number of Georgian politicians and law enforcement officials for suppressing free speech, particularly voices in favor of Georgia’s integration with the West.

“The Georgian government’s anti-democratic actions and false statements are incompatible with membership norms in the EU and NATO,” Blinken said in a statement released as he was flying from Singapore to Mongolia at the end of a six-nation tour of Asia.

Despite the suspension, Blinken said the U.S. would continue to fund programs in Georgia that promote democracy, the rule of law, independent media and economic development.

RELATED COVERAGE US boosts alliance with the Philippines with $500 million funding and pact amid concern over ChinaBlinken says US has ‘serious concerns’ about announced result of Venezuelan electionBlinken and envoys from Japan, Australia and India work to improve maritime safety in Asia-Pacific

“We will remain committed to the Georgian people and their Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” he said, noting that the U.S. has provided more than $6.2 billion in assistance to Georgia over the past three decades since it won independence from the Soviet Union.

The Georgian parliament passed the legislation in May, overriding a veto by the president. The law requires media and nongovernmental organizations to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.

Critics say that it closely resembles legislation the Kremlin used to silence opponents and that it will obstruct Georgia’s bid to join the EU.

More:Stocks

Recommend

Drone operators worry that anxiety over mystery sightings will lead to new restrictions

Drones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on

Red Rocks employees report seeing UFO in night sky above famed Colorado concert venue

A dozen employees at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre claim they saw a strange object light up the Colorad

Jonathan Van Ness denies 'overwhelmingly untrue' toxic workplace allegations on 'Queer Eye'

Jonathan Van Ness is breaking their silence on a report that claimed the hairstylist was a "monster"