CENN expresses its deep concern about the introduction of the “Foreign Agent Law” and calls on the Parliament to suspend the review process and withdraw it. We appeal to each member of the Parliament of Georgia to show personal responsibility and spare no effort to maintain the country’s democratic, European course.
Strategic partners have already called on Georgia to withdraw the draft law. We also heard explanations from them about reviewing the progress of joining the European Union, which is a loss of a real chance to ensure our national interests and the well-being of our citizens. The weakening of positions at the international level has a direct impact on the country’s security and economic development.
The law and the public statements made in support of it are at odds with our historical-cultural identity. Within the framework of national policy, our relations with Europe have never gone beyond the framework of trust, transparency, and diplomacy. Also, our friend countries have never shown any harmful, hostile intention to Georgian statehood.
After gaining independence, in the process of close cooperation with international institutions and the civilized world as a whole, Georgia not only successfully defended national interests but also contributed to global security and the creation of modern world values. As a result, Georgia, as a worthy ally, was given the opportunity to get visa-free entry to the European Union, and Georgian products opened their way to the European markets. The preservation of already achieved results is also in danger.
The country’s progress in almost all areas was based on sharing the best European experience. The support of friendly countries was manifested on a larger scale in political or economic crises, in the conditions of Russian intervention, embargo, or energy blockade. As a result, even in the most difficult geopolitical processes, we maintained our independence and the course of democratic, sustainable development.
The sharp reaction of the Georgian people made the authorities once again make a wise decision to withdraw the draft law. Its return and reconsideration are connected with the risks of polarization and a new political crisis, which is in line with the interests of our occupying country, Russia – to create new foci of destabilization in our region.
Questioning the motives of donor countries will definitely prevent the inevitable increase in financial support for the candidate country, stop the implementation of consistent sector reforms, negatively affect cooperation with international financial institutions and the investment environment.
It is unacceptable that Georgia, at the most intensive stage of integration with Europe, considers the need for ongoing and planned programs implemented with international support, which cover almost all areas, bring direct benefits to hundreds of thousands of citizens and create guarantees for the country’s security, poverty reduction, and democratic, sustainable development.
As a result of bitter historical lessons, the Georgian government and the Georgian people have developed political wisdom and caution, which once again becomes the main weapon for maintaining peace, independence, and the European future. We hope that all citizens of Georgia, and first of all those responsible for political processes, the country’s security, and its development, will act in the interests of the country and find a way of constructive dialogue, which will once again end with the drafting of the law. This will allow the parties to continue active cooperation to improve democracy, transparency, and welfare standards in the country.