US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken issues a statement on US support for the Georgian people.

“The United States has been a partner of Georgia and the Georgian people for more than 32 years. Our partnership is based on our shared love for freedom and democracy and the desire to see Georgia in the Euro-Atlantic family. We have worked with the governments and people of Georgia to develop Georgia’s economy, improve its education system, increase its defense capabilities, and expand its health and agriculture sectors. The US is a strong supporter of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and our commitment to the brave people of Georgia and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations is ironclad.

The US strongly condemns Georgian Dream’s brutal and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens, protesters, media and opposition representatives. We call on Georgian Dream to end its repressive tactics, including the use of arbitrary detention and physical violence in an attempt to silence critics. We are particularly concerned about reports of serious injuries to people by law enforcement. Those arrested for exercising their right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression should be released immediately, and the officials responsible for the illegal use of force should be held fully accountable.

The US stands in solidarity with the Georgian people and their democratic aspirations. Those who undermine democratic processes or institutions in Georgia - including those who stifle the right of Georgian citizens to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression - must be held accountable. In addition to continuing the previously announced comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation, the US is now preparing to use the tools at our disposal, including additional sanctions”, - reads the statement.