US comments on potential sanctions against Georgian authorities over protest crackdown
Photo: Matthew Miller, US State Department spokesperson (Getty Images)
The United States will not discuss the introduction of new sanctions against the Georgian authorities in advance. Washington has made it clear that it is concerned about Tbilisi's actions, says US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller at a briefing.
Journalists asked Miller whether the US plans to impose additional sanctions against the Georgian authorities for suppressing protests. The spokesperson emphasized that if new sanctions are introduced, there will be no prior discussions.
"Whenever we have sanctions announcements to make, we make them," Miller said.
He recalled that the US has already imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on Georgian officials. Additionally, Washington has suspended the allocation of $95 million.
According to Miller, the US has "made very clear" that it is concerned about the steps taken by the Georgian authorities "to move away from the path towards greater integration with Europe that they had been on and that we know the Georgian people support."
Protests in Georgia
On November 28, Georgia was rocked by a new wave of protests after authorities announced the suspension of the country's Euro-integration. Since then, protests have continued in Tbilisi and other cities.
Security forces are attempting to disperse the demonstrations. Law enforcement is using tear gas and water cannons against protesters and detaining participants.
Recently, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze thanked security forces for dispersing the protests. He also stated that the Georgian government would not allow the "Ukrainian Maidan scenario" in the country. Ukraine has called on Georgia not to intimidate its citizens with the so-called "Ukrainian scenario."
Due to the suppression of protests, Baltic countries have imposed sanctions on Georgian officials. In particular, the sanctions list includes Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and the founder of Georgian Dream, Bidzina Ivanishvili.
