Source: statement from the U.S. Department of State
Word for word: "The decision of the 'Georgian Dream' to suspend the process of Georgia's EU accession contradicts the promise made to the Georgian people, enshrined in the country's Constitution, regarding full integration into the European Union and NATO. By halting the EU accession process, 'Georgian Dream' has rejected the opportunity for closer ties with Europe and made Georgia more vulnerable to the Kremlin...
Various undemocratic actions by 'Georgian Dream' have violated the fundamental principles of our U.S.-Georgia strategic partnership, which is based on shared values and commitments to democracy, the rule of law, civil society, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as anti-corruption efforts. As a consequence, the United States has suspended this mechanism."
Details: The statement notes that the overwhelming majority of the Georgian people support integration with Europe.
The U.S. condemned "the excessive use of force by police against Georgians seeking to exercise their rights to freedom of assembly and expression, including the right to peaceful protests." The United States urged "all parties to ensure the peaceful nature of the protests."
"We once again call on the Georgian government to return to the Euro-Atlantic path, transparently investigate all violations during the parliamentary elections, and repeal anti-democratic laws that restrict freedom of assembly and expression," the State Department's statement said.
Background:
- On Thursday, November 28, the Prime Minister of Georgia from the ruling party 'Georgian Dream', Irakli Kobakhidze, announced Tbilisi's refusal to negotiate EU accession "until the end of 2028." Several Georgian agencies have already opposed this decision. President Salome Zourabichvili stated that the ruling party has declared war on its own people.
- On Thursday evening, a large protest gathered outside the Parliament in Tbilisi, leading to clashes with the police. As a result, the protesters were harshly dispersed using water cannons and tear gas.
- Protests continued on Friday evening, with police also using violence against the demonstrators.
- On Saturday, protests resumed in Georgia against the 'Georgian Dream' decision to abandon negotiations for EU accession. Protests are taking place at several locations in Tbilisi, particularly near the Georgian Parliament and at the building of "First Channel of Georgia". In addition to Tbilisi, protests are occurring in Batumi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi, and Telavi, with demonstrations also planned in Kvareli and Gurjaani.
For more details on the events in Georgia, see the video blog on the causes and consequences of the protests and read the article "The Georgian government changes its foreign course and sparks a revolution".