Georgian PM Declines US Visit Over Foreign Agents Bill Conditions

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has refused an invitation to visit the United States on account of conditions set by the US government regarding temporarily withdrawing the controversial foreign agents bill. The US Embassy in Georgia had invited high-ranking government officials, including the Prime Minister, to discuss strategic partnership issues and US assistance. However, the invitation came with a precondition that the Georgian Parliament pause consideration of the bill prior to the visit.

Why this matters: The controversy surrounding the foreign agents bill has far-reaching implications for Georgia's democratic trajectory and its relations with the European Union and the United States. The outcome of this situation will set a precedent for the balance of power between the government and civil society in Georgia, with potential consequences for the country's future integration into Western institutions.

The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed receiving the invitation but stated that conducting a visit with reservations does not align with the principles of the strategic partnership between the two countries. "Conducting a visit on a conditional basis is not in conformity with the spirit of partnership, which should be based on mutual respect and mutual trust," the MFA said in a statement. Prime Minister Kobakhidze deemed the condition as not corresponding to the spirit of partnership based on mutual respect and trust.

US Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan expressed regret over the Georgian leadership's decision to decline the invitation. "Recently, we invited high-ranking officials of the Georgian government to discuss strategic partnership issues and US assistance with US officials. Unfortunately, the Georgian side preferred to decline this invitation," Ambassador Dunnigan stated. She urged the Government of Georgia to reaffirm its commitment to Georgia's Euro-Atlantic future.

The foreign agents bill, officially known by the name "Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence," has sparked massive protests in Georgia since its introduction in March 2023. The proposed legislation would require media outlets and non-governmental organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as"organizations acting in the interest of a foreign power. "Critics argue that the bill would undermine democracy and media freedom in Georgia, drawing comparisons to a similar law used in Russia to stigmatize independent news media and organizations critical of the Kremlin.

The Georgian Parliament approved a second reading of the bill on Wednesday, with a third and final reading expected later this month. Tens of thousands of protesters have surrounded the parliament building in Tbilisi, engaging in scuffles with police that have resulted in over 60 arrests and several injuries. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has vowed to veto the law, but the governing Georgian Dream party, founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, holds a majority sufficient to override a presidential veto.

The European Union has expressed grave concerns over the proposed legislation, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warning that its adoption would negatively impact Georgia's progress on its EU path. "This law is not in line with EU core norms and values," Borrell stated, emphasizing that the bill "would limit the capacity of civil society and media organisations to operate freely, could limit freedom of expression and unfairly stigmatise organisations that deliver benefits to the citizens of Georgia."

The foreign agents bill controversy unfolds against the backdrop of strained relations between Georgia and Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The two countries fought a brief war in 2008 over the breakaway region of South Ossetia, and tensions persist over the status of South Ossetia and another breakaway region, Abkhazia. The opposition United National Movement party accuses the governing Georgian Dream party of serving Moscow's interests, a claim the ruling party denies.

As protests continue to grip Georgia, the fate of the foreign agents bill and its potential impact on the country's democratic trajectory and European aspirations remain uncertain. The international community, including the United States and the European Union, is closely monitoring developments in Georgia. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell underscored the gravity of the situation, stating,"This law is not in line with EU core norms and values. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the Georgian government heeds the calls of protesters and international partners or pushes ahead with the controversial legislation.

Key Takeaways

• Georgian PM refuses US visit over foreign agents bill conditions.
• Bill sparks massive protests, critics say it undermines democracy.
• EU and US express concerns, warn of negative impact on EU path.
• Georgian President vows to veto, but ruling party can override.
• Fate of bill uncertain, international community closely monitoring.