Another critical letter from US Congress members got sent by six politicians to US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.
The document talks about the oligarchic ruling in Georgia. At the same time, it is noted that Bidzina Ivanishvili is trying to expel American business from Georgia, which is done to increase investment in the private sector from Russia, China, and Iran.
Six politicians, Jodey Arrington, Bill Flores, Will Hurd, Brian Babin, Randy Weber, anddMarkwayne Mullin, signed the document.
"We are writing to again express our concerns with the recent decline in democratic governance and potential corruption within Georgia.
As you know, since the independence in1991, Georgia has made great strides to transform their economy and geopolitical security relationships to ensure greater market access to global trading partners, defense relationships, and free and fair elections. However, since the Russian oligarch, Bidzina Ivanishvili, and his Georgian Dream Party came to power in 2012, the economy has been backsliding on this progress. after speaking with ypur colleagues, Cheryl Fernandes and Aaron Rupert, we feel assured that the State Department is doing their best to monitor the continued deterioration of the private sector investment environment, especially for U.S. companies as well as the Government of Georgia’s commitment to continued democratic reform and seek to be a NATO ally.
As you go into future meetings with Georgian officials, specifically Georgian Prime Minister Gakharia, we ask that you keep our concerns in mind:
1. The current government of Georgia led by the Georgian Dream party is being manipulated by Russian oligarch, Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is making efforts to drive out U.S. businesses that have been contributing to the American and Georgian economy for decades. This is being done in favor of increasing private sector investment from Russia, China and Iran.
2. Activities related to Black Sea ports in Georgia endanger critical American national security interests, including:
a: The deliberate exclusion of American companies from Black Sea port investments/ownership aimed at insulating Georgia from Russian and Chinese influence; and
b: Deficiencies in enforcing American sanctions against Ira and Russia, especially and specifically in the context of port activities and other related private sector investments.
3. The fact that the Georgian Parliament still has not passed the necessary electoral reform law which is crucial for the Fall 2020 parliamentary elections to be transparent and fair
We appreciate your attention to this timely matter and ask that you and your team follow up with us to discuss the actions that will be taken to strengthen our relationship and hold Georgia accountable," reads the letter.
The letter, authored by 6 congressmen, is dated July 27th.
