MP Mikanadze: MEGOBARI Act is unfriendly act toward Georgia, disconnected from reality

“The title of this act is utterly inconsistent with the context presented in this situation,” stated Givi Mikanadze, Chairman of the Parliamentary Education Committee, regarding the MEGOBARI Act, which the U.S. House of Representatives is debating.

He characterized it as an unfriendly act aimed at Georgia and the Georgian people, which in no way reflects reality and is completely out of touch with the current events unfolding in Georgia.

“This is clearly biased. We sincerely hope that this act will either not be adopted at all, or, if it is, that it will incorporate the changes that are rightfully necessary. Primarily, this pertains to the free will demonstrated by our people in the parliamentary elections. They unequivocally supported the Georgian Dream as the governing team and, once again, entrusted us with leading this country for the next four years. We hope this act will be adopted only if those crucial principles are honoured. In this context, the United States possesses greater resources vital for true friendship – the visa regime for Georgian citizens should be eased, direct flights should be initiated, and a free trade agreement should be signed with the United States of America. These steps would enable the deepening of bilateral relations and a return to the dynamic development essential between the two strategic partners.

Consequently, the situation and the attempt we have been observing, which is clearly dictated by specific forces and their direct involvement, represents an injustice and a fundamental disrespect towards Georgia. Therefore, we earnestly hope that this act will ultimately not become law and that the relevant legislators will offer a just assessment of the situation. Following that, it might be possible to introduce such modifications that the act would truly live up to its name and genuinely become a ‘friendly act’,” concluded Givi Mikanadze.

The US House of Representatives is discussing the MEGOBARI Act, which means “Friend” in Georgian, today.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee supported the Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act (MEGOBARI Act) on March 27.

The document provides for sanctions and visa restrictions against high-ranking Georgian officials. Specifically, it includes the following provisions: to initiate a complete review of U.S.-Georgia relations, including all assistance programs; to recognize the Georgian people’s support for the commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration processes enshrined in the country’s constitution; requires the U.S. President to impose sanctions on the Georgian Dream officials and their facilitators who were involved in corruption to divert Georgia from the path of Euro-Atlantic integration, undermined Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, or were involved in other corrupt acts that harm Georgia’s stability; will strengthen people-to-people connections and defense cooperation when Georgia once again acts according to its own constitutional requirements; expresses support for Georgia’s full sovereignty and territorial integrity under the conditions of Russia’s illegal occupation; will support civil society that protects the Georgian people and the Constitution of Georgia from the abuse of power by the Georgian Dream government.