A bipartisan group of the US Senate sent a letter to the Prime Minister of Georgia, expressing deep concern and warning Irakli Kobakhidze that if the foreign agents bill becomes law, they will be forced to encourage a change in US policy towards Georgia, reports the Georgian Service of Voice of America.

The bipartisan letter was led by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Senator James Risch.

“They are calling on the Georgian Government to withdraw the law, which threatens US-Georgia relations and also raises the possibility of imposing sanctions on individuals, cutting off direct government funding and expanding visa restrictions.

According to the copy of the letter obtained by Voice of America, the senators will encourage Washington to change its policy towards Georgia, in case the law is enacted.

“We, as members of Congress, who have deep respect for the Georgian people and have always been strong bipartisan and foremost supporters of bilateral ties with your country, will be very disappointed if the Georgian Parliament passes a law on foreign agents that undermines Georgia’s relationship with the United States.

If this bill is passed, we will be forced to encourage changes in US policy toward Georgia, which could include sanctions against those responsible for hindering Georgia’s democratic development or limiting its Euro-Atlantic development trajectory, this could also include revising direct US financial aid, and expanding US visa restrictions.

We must also state that the reintroduced bill does not mirror any US law and will be used to silence civil society and the media, which play an important role in the development of Georgia"s democratic institutions. As you know, freedom of speech can be inconvenient for any ruling party, but the ability to disagree and express one"s opinion publicly is what strengthens democracy”, - reads the letter of Senators.

According to them, the relationship between the US and Georgia is based on mutual interests and common values, and each of them is a strong supporter of further deepening of this relationship. However, they also say that the relationship cannot “continue until this legislation is not withdrawn”.