US Suspends Strategic Partnership with Georgia: State Department

The actions of the "Georgian Dream" party that are contrary to democratic principles have violated the core tenets of the US-Georgia strategic partnership. As a result, the United States has suspended this mechanism, stated Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department.

Miller called on the Georgian government to return to the Euro-Atlantic path, transparently investigate all violations during the parliamentary elections, and rescind anti-democratic laws that restrict freedoms of assembly and expression.

"The decision of the 'Georgian Dream' to suspend the EU accession process contradicts the promise made to the Georgian people, enshrined in the constitution, to pursue full integration into the European Union and NATO. By halting the EU accession process, 'Georgian Dream' has rejected the opportunity for closer ties with Europe and made Georgia more vulnerable to the Kremlin," the statement said.

The people of Georgia overwhelmingly support integration with Europe. The United States condemns the excessive use of force by the police against Georgians seeking to exercise their rights to assembly and expression, including the freedom to peacefully protest. We urge all parties to ensure that protests remain peaceful,” the statement concluded.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced on Thursday that the country's authorities have decided not to initiate negotiations on EU membership until the end of 2028 and to refrain from accepting budgetary grants from the EU. Subsequently, large protests took place in the country, accompanied by clashes with police and the use of water cannons.