The United States has been a partner of Georgia and the Georgian people for more than 32 years. Our partnership is rooted in our shared love of freedom and democracy and the desire to see Georgia within the Euro-Atlantic family. We have worked side by side with successive Georgian governments and the Georgian people to develop Georgia's economy, improve its education system, strengthen its defense capabilities, and expand its health and agricultural sectors. The United States has been a strong supporter of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and our commitment to the courageous people of Georgia and their Euro-Atlantic aspirations is firm.
The United States strongly condemns the Georgian Dream Party's brutal and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens, protesters, members of the media, and opposition figures. We call on Georgian Dream to stop its repressive tactics, including its use of arbitrary detention and physical violence, to try to silence its critics. We are particularly concerned about reports of serious injuries to people at the hands of law enforcement. Those detained for exercising their human rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression must be released immediately, and those responsible for the unlawful use of force must be fully held accountable.
The United States stands in solidarity with the Georgian people and their democratic aspirations. Those who undermine Georgia's democratic processes or institutions – including those who suppress Georgian citizens' right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression – will be held accountable. In addition to continuing our previously announced comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation, the United States is now preparing to use the tools at our disposal, including additional sanctions.
