US to redirect suspended financial aid to Georgian NGOs and media

The suspended US financial aid to the Georgian government will be redirected to support the country’s NGOs and media, US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesman Vedant Patel said, Report informs via Civil Georgia.

Noting that the bilateral relations “are at a uniquely challenging moment” the Deputy Spokesperson stressed that “the United States commitment to the Georgian people and their aspirations is absolutely enduring,” adding: “We will continue to support programs and activities that benefit the people of Georgia by strengthening democracy, rule of law, independent media and economic development.”

He also underlined the distinction in assistance for the government and civil society saying that while the assistance programs that benefit the current government will be paused “in some cases” they may be modified to “redirect resource to non-government entities working within a particular sector.”

Patel further said: “We will continue to urge the Georgian government to return to the path of democracy and Euro-Atlantic integration by repealing the foreign influence law, withdrawing other problematic legislation, ending its disinformation campaign and committing to conduct the elections and pre-election season transparently and allowing international and domestic monitors. These actions would be consistent with receiving support from the United states as a democratic partner.”

Earlier, the European Union also stated that they would reduce aid to the Georgian government and increase support to the civil sector and the media.