US Assistant Secretary of State Jim O'Brien addressed the Foreign Agents Law passed by Georgia's ruling party during a briefing on May 24. He emphasized that the law and recent government actions are incompatible with Georgia's aspirations to join the EU and NATO. He clarified that US visa restrictions will impact both the MPs who supported the law and their families.

According to journalist Alex Raufoglu, who attended the briefing, Ambassador O'Brien expressed regret over the Georgian government's actions, including violence and threats against civil society and opposition politicians, and the passage of a law aimed at stigmatizing groups aiding Georgia's European and transatlantic integration. These actions, he said, have led the US to question the current leadership's commitment to the path chosen by Georgians toward Europe and NATO.

O’Brien also addressed the Georgian Dream party's narrative that the West is forcing Georgia to abandon its traditions and culture, stating that after years of consolidation and the recognition that joining European and transatlantic organizations leads to greater safety and prosperity, it is not surprising that some elements in society feel threatened by this change.

Reaffirming US support for Georgia's integration into the EU and NATO, O'Brien stressed that the Foreign Agents Law, the rhetoric surrounding it, and the violence against protesters contradict Georgia's goal of moving toward the EU and NATO. He mentioned having detailed discussions with Georgian officials about why this law is inconsistent with the country's aspirations, aligning with the Venice Commission's recent opinion on the matter. O'Brien framed the issue as whether the Georgian leadership is trying to redefine what it means to join European and transatlantic organizations rather than a change in US policy.

Responding to whether US actions, including visa restrictions and Congressional bills, are coercive, O'Brien stated that joining an organization means adhering to its rules: "You play by the rules of the club you are trying to join." He emphasized that Georgia's actions are incompatible with both the pursuit and attainment of membership in these organizations.

Regarding the visa restrictions announced the previous day, O'Brien explained that the US does not publish a list of names due to statutory limitations but has clearly outlined the concerning actions, particularly efforts to undermine democratic processes through violence and intimidation. These restrictions also apply to officials' family members, which he noted is not a coercive tactic. O'Brien concluded that the US is reviewing all aspects of its cooperation with Georgia without previewing any specific additional actions.

This follows the May 23 announcement by Secretary of State Blinken, when a visa restriction policy targeting individuals undermining democracy in Georgia was initiated, along with a comprehensive review of all US-Georgia cooperation. These restrictions apply to those responsible for suppressing civil society and peaceful assembly in Georgia through violence or intimidation.

Secretary Blinken's statement criticized the "foreign influence law" developed and passed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, stating it would stifle freedoms of association and expression, stigmatize organizations serving Georgian citizens, and impede independent media from providing high-quality information.

As a result, the Department of State’s visa restrictions will target individuals responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia, as well as their family members. The statement highlighted that in response to opposition to the law, the ruling authorities used intimidation and violence to suppress peaceful dissent. It further noted that both the "national security law" and the repressive tactics used against dissent undermine Georgia’s democracy and fundamental freedoms, contradicting Georgia’s constitutional goal of Euro-Atlantic integration and strategic partnership with the United States.

These restrictions also extend to individuals suppressing civil society and peaceful assembly through violence or intimidation. Additionally, anyone undermining democratic processes or institutions in Georgia, including around the October 2024 elections, may be deemed ineligible for US visas under this policy, and their immediate family members may also face restrictions.

Blinken also announced the launch of a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia. He expressed hope that Georgia’s leaders would reconsider the draft law and take steps toward the nation's democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. As the review progresses, Georgia’s actions will influence the future of US-Georgia relations.