As Georgia's relations with the West have deteriorated following the adoption of a controversial law on NGOs, Washington has been particularly critical of recent policies by the Georgian government, asserting that they have detracted from Georgia's Euro-Atlantic trajectory. Consequently, the US State Department has imposed visa restrictions on some Georgian officials and is reviewing bilateral relations.

During her visit, Uzra Zeya, the US. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, engaged with government officials, opposition parties, and civil society representatives. She focused on democratic governance, anti-corruption, media freedom, and the inclusion of marginalized groups.

In an interview with the Georgian online platform Civil.ge, Under Secretary Zeya outlined the objectives and key messages of her visit:

1. Concerns Over Anti-Democratic Actions: Zeya conveyed grave concerns about anti-democratic actions and disinformation from some ruling party members, jeopardizing Georgia's Euro-Atlantic path and harming its partnership with the US. The Foreign Influence Law was highlighted as detrimental to civil society, media, and various organizations. She emphasized that escalating violence and intimidation against civil society and opposition leaders is alarming and that disinformation about the US serves adversarial interests.

2. Support for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: Zeya reaffirmed the US's unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. She met with displaced Georgian women to hear their stories and reiterated the US commitment to supporting the humanitarian needs of displaced Georgians.

3. Support for Democratic Processes: Zeya emphasized that the US supports the rights of all Georgians to free, fair, and competitive elections, and the rule of law. She clarified that the US. does not support any specific political party but expects a genuine competitive democratic process, underscoring the importance of free and fair elections without violence or intimidation.

Regarding the review of bilateral programs, Zeya stated that due to Georgia's anti-democratic trajectory, the US is comprehensively reviewing all bilateral cooperation. Secretary of State Blinken announced this review on May 23, alongside targeted visa restrictions against individuals undermining Georgia's democracy. The review aims to ensure accountability for those engaging in human rights violations or corrupt activities.

Zeya acknowledged serious human rights concerns, including arbitrary arrests, judicial independence issues, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. She urged the Georgian government to rescind anti-democratic legislation, end intimidation of civil society and opposition, and uphold democratic freedoms.

In response to arguments that democracy and human rights agendas breed political instability, Zeya emphasized that the US's principled approach to democracy and human rights anchors stability, security, and prosperity, contrasting with Russia's destabilizing aggression.

Regarding support for Georgian democracy and civil society, Zeya reiterated the US's unwavering commitment to the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Georgian people. She stressed that the US actions are responses to anti-democratic measures and disinformation from the Georgian government, distancing the country from its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Zeya highlighted that concerns about Georgia's anti-democratic trajectory are global. The US, EU, and its member states have communicated these concerns to the Georgian government, both publicly and privately, stressing that Georgia's current path is incompatible with the democratic values necessary for EU and NATO membership. She expressed hope that the Georgian government would reverse this negative trajectory, reaffirming the longstanding US support for Georgia's sovereignty, independence, and progress.