Opposition parties issued a joint statement on the visit of U.S. Secretary of State. According to the statement, Mike Pompeo’s visit sends a clear message that the U.S. remains in the region and stands by its partners.

“U.S. Secretary of State arrived in Georgia at a time when significant threats and new opportunities have emerged for our country, the region and the entire Euro-Atlantic area. Putin’s Russia and other totalitarian regimes pose a significant threat to the peace in the region and the security of a free world. The Secretary of State’s visit sends a clear message that the U.S. remains in the region and stands by its partners, protects the sovereignty of its friends.

Demonstration of dynamics in the security area is needed for political breakthrough, which will take the U.S.-Georgia bilateral cooperation to a new level, such as the deployment of U.S. military infrastructure in Georgia and advancement in terms of NATO membership.

Rigged elections, politicized judiciary, political prisoners, persecution of political opponents, obstruction of Western investment, and refusal to build the international port of Anaklia - these are signs of Georgia’s democratic setback.

Gaining economic freedom is crucial along with democracy. The totalitarian regimes fight against the free market by prohibited methods. Western allies need to have a legitimate advantage, which implies a free trade agreement and more American investment, including in geopolitically important projects such as the construction of the Anaklia port. Georgia must be able to move to a new stage of democratization”, - reads the statement signed by 23 opposition parties.