“The United States applies different standards when it comes to Georgia and Syria. Their investment, dedication, and tremendous efforts in Georgia surpass those in Syria,” stated Levan Sanikidze, a member of the Unity-National Movement (UNM) party.

When asked about the appropriateness of the U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Syria, Sanikidze responded that the sanctions had been imposed on Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorial regime. Although there has been some improvement, the country remains far from achieving democracy.

“Nonetheless, I believe this was a significant move in U.S. foreign policy, as it provided the new Syrian government with an opportunity to steer the country toward democratic development,” he said.

Sanikidze also emphasised that the U.S. sanctions target the Georgian government, not the Georgian state itself.

“They do not impose sanctions on Georgia as a nation, but rather on the Georgian government. This is a crucial distinction between the government and the state.”

“There is a clear difference between the Georgian state and the Georgian Dream ruling party. Sanctions are aimed at the GD to protect the Georgian state. Our views align in this regard. The U.S. applies different standards to Georgia and Syria. Their investment, effort, and dedication—especially concerning the non-recognition policy, building defence capabilities, and fostering European integration in Georgia—are greater than those in Syria. The U.S. has not signed a strategic partnership agreement with Syria. We were also close to finalising a free trade agreement with the U.S. in 2012. Why does the Georgian Dream see only negatives in the MEGOBARI Act, which facilitates visa-free travel, promotes free trade, and strengthens the army—benefits that serve everyone?” he further explained.