A group of non-governmental organizations has stated that it is regrettable that the Georgian authorities, instead of listening carefully to messages from Georgia’s international partners and taking steps to restore democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, continue a campaign of discrediting and insulting foreign partners.

According to representatives of civil society, the Georgian government’s “aggressive and irresponsible rhetoric” toward the United States government, members of Congress, and the American people not only contradicts Georgia’s national interests but also represents a betrayal of the country’s civilizational goals and constitutionally enshrined aspirations.

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

Particularly noteworthy is that the statement issued following the recent visit of a U.S. State Department delegation to Georgia emphasized the importance of deepening security and economic relations between Georgia and the United States, attracting investment, and promoting the country’s economic development. At the same time, the statement 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. The American side also made it clear that further strengthening security and economic cooperation, increasing investment, and fully realizing common interests require a predictable, stable environment based on democratic principles.

Unfortunately, instead of listening carefully to these messages 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 especially alarming at a time when Georgia is experiencing a serious state crisis, human rights are being violated on a daily basis, dissenting opinions are being persecuted, the judiciary serves the political interests of the ruling party, and repressive policies against political opponents, the media, and civil society continue.

For decades, the United States has been Georgia’s principal supporter in the fields of security, economic development, strengthening state institutions, and democratic transformation. Many important reforms that improved the lives of Georgian citizens became possible through the support of American and European partners.

Responsibility for the current economic and security challenges facing Georgia, as well as declining international trust and reduced investment, lies entirely with the ruling party. 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. Weakening 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 runs counter to Georgia’s national interests, but also betrays the country’s history, civilizational aspirations, and constitutional commitments. Such policies damage Georgia’s international reputation and hinder economic development, investment, and job creation.

It is particularly troubling that the authorities seek to portray the legitimate criticism of our strategic partners as actions directed against Georgia. In reality, statements by the United States and other democratic partners are intended to support Georgia’s democratic development, security, economic progress, and international standing. Ignoring these messages and portraying partners as adversaries further harms 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 in the democratic world and the Euro-Atlantic family. Departing from this path is not the choice of the Georgian people,” the statement reads.

The statement was signed by a number of civil society organizations, including Transparency International Georgia, Economic Policy Research Center, Sapari, Civil Society Foundation, Green Alternative, Democracy Research Institute, Human Rights Center, Institute for Development of Freedom of Information, Tbilisi Pride, Georgian Young Lawyers' Association, Rights Georgia, and International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy.