The US is unwavering in its commitment to supporting Georgia’s integration into the EU and NATO, according to the Secretary of State.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the US is considering further sanctions against individuals in Georgia deemed responsible for the violent clashes during ongoing unrest. These sanctions are in response to what the US describes as brutal actions against protesters.
Pro-Western parties in Georgia are holding nightly protests, which have led to multiple confrontations with police. These demonstrations aim to challenge the results of the October elections, which protesters allege were rigged.
Blinken accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of using “brutal and unjustified violence” against protesters. He voiced support for Georgia’s aspirations to join the Euro-Atlantic community, stating that the US commitment is “ironclad.” He also demanded the release of detained protesters and accountability for police use of force.
Reports indicate that protesters have used fireworks and rocks against riot police, while police have responded with tear gas and water cannons. Dozens of injuries have been reported on both sides since mid-November.
President Salome Zourabichvili, a leader of the protest movement, has stated she will not resign before the end of her term, arguing the newly elected parliament lacks the authority to appoint her successor.
After President Zourabichvili urged schools to support the protests, the Georgian Orthodox Church criticized her actions, viewing it as an attempt to involve minors in the conflict.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the Georgian Dream party compared the situation to Ukraine’s 2014 Euromaidan protests. Following accusations that Brussels is using Georgia’s EU bid for political leverage, the Georgian government announced a suspension of its EU integration process.
Mamuka Mdinaradze, a senior official with the Georgian Dream party, claimed that up to 30% of the protesters are foreign nationals.