Georgian civil society expresses its gratitude to the United States of America for its longstanding support of Georgia’s independence, security, sovereignty, democracy, and Euro-Atlantic integration.

It is particularly noteworthy that, following the recent visit of the U.S. State Department delegation to Georgia, the official statement emphasized the importance of deepening security and economic relations between Georgia and the United States, attracting investment, and promoting the country’s economic development. The statement also once again highlighted the shared strategic interests that unite Georgia and the United States in strengthening regional and global peace, security, and stability. This partnership is based not only on bilateral state interests but also on shared values, civilizational ties, mutual respect, and decades of friendship. At the same time, the American side clearly indicated that further strengthening of security and economic cooperation, increased investment, and the full realization of shared interests require a predictable, stable environment grounded in democratic principles.

Unfortunately, instead of carefully listening to the messages of Georgia’s friends and taking steps to restore democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, the Georgian authorities continue their campaign of discrediting and insulting international partners. This is particularly alarming at a time when Georgia is experiencing a profound state crisis. Human rights are violated daily, dissent is persecuted, the judiciary serves as an instrument for carrying out the political directives of the ruling party, Georgian Dream, and repressive policies against political opponents, independent media, and civil society continue unabated.

For decades, the United States has been the principal supporter of Georgia’s security, economic development, institutional strengthening, and democratic transformation. It was through the assistance of American and European partners that many important reforms were implemented, improving the lives of Georgian citizens and strengthening the state.

Today, responsibility for addressing Georgia’s economic and security challenges, the decline in international trust, and the reduction in investment rests entirely with the ruling authorities. No investor and no international partner can feel secure in a country where judicial independence is questioned, political opponents are persecuted, peaceful citizens become victims of violence, and the government chooses a path of isolation from the democratic world. Georgia’s security and economic success have always been linked to cooperation with Western partners, democratic development, and the rule of law. The weakening of these foundations directly harms the well-being of every citizen.

We believe that the aggressive and irresponsible rhetoric directed by representatives of the Georgian authorities toward the U.S. government, members of Congress, and the American people not only contradicts Georgia’s national interests but also represents a betrayal of the country’s history, civilizational aspirations, and constitutional commitments. Such policies damage Georgia’s international reputation and undermine economic development, investment opportunities, and job creation.

Particularly concerning is the government’s attempt to portray the legitimate criticism expressed by our strategic partners as actions directed against Georgia. In reality, statements by the United States and other democratic partners are aimed at supporting Georgia’s democratic development, security, economic progress, and international standing. Ignoring these messages and portraying partners as enemies further damages the country’s interests.

We once again reaffirm our support for the strategic partnership between Georgia and the United States. We also support all international efforts aimed at protecting democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law in Georgia.

Georgia’s future lies within the democratic world and the Euro-Atlantic family. Deviating from this path is not the choice of the Georgian people.

Signatory Organizations:

* Transparency International Georgia

* Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC)

* Sapari

* Open Society Foundation Georgia

* Prevention for Progress

* Georgia’s Future Academy

* Green Alternative

* EECMD

* European Orbit of Georgia

* Democracy Research Institute (DRI)

* Human Rights Center (HRC)

* Tbilisi Pride

* Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI)

* Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA)

* Rights Georgia

* International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED)