The United States has long stood by the Georgian people and supported Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. That is why I am deeply concerned about the country’s recent democratic backsliding, including the enactment of laws mirroring Russian laws that restrict fundamental freedoms and limit the space for independent civil society organizations. . Most recently, the Oct. 26 Georgia legislative elections were marred by a record of voter intimidation and coercion, as well as numerous abuses of government resources. Georgians have the right to peacefully express their opinions regarding the conduct of these elections, but independent international and domestic observers say they are not free and fair. We urge the Georgian government to transparently investigate all election fraud, repeal laws such as the so-called “Foreign Influence Act” that restrict freedom of assembly and expression, and urge all political forces in Georgia to We call on the government to immediately begin comprehensive dialogue on the following issues: Restore election integrity. We call on all parties to strictly respect the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, which remain the foundation of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future.
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