Georgian Parliament Condemns U.S. MEGOBARI Act as Hostile and Unjust
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, May 15, 2025
GD Parliament has strongly condemned the U.S. House of Representatives' adoption of the MEGOBARI Act, deeming it an "extremely hostile" act toward the Georgian state, its people, and its democratically elected government. The Parliament issued a draft statement, currently under review by the Foreign Relations Committee, which criticizes the Act for being based on false claims and flawed premises.
The draft statement rejects three main accusations in the MEGOBARI Act: that Georgia is experiencing "significant democratic backsliding," that the Georgian government is obstructing its Euro-Atlantic integration, and that it is developing improper ties with Russia, China, and Iran. The statement counters each of these accusations with evidence of Georgia's democratic progress and commitment to its Euro-Atlantic goals.
On the first accusation, they point to the significant democratic reforms Georgia has undergone since 2012. These include the adoption of a new constitution aligning with democratic standards, substantial reductions in the prison population, the eradication of torture practices, and improvements in judicial independence and media pluralism. It also highlights Georgia's high rankings in international indexes, such as the World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index, where it outperforms several EU countries.
Regarding Euro-Atlantic integration, the statement asserts that Georgia has made significant strides. In 2017, the Georgian Constitution was amended to define Euro-Atlantic integration as a state goal. Despite these efforts, Georgia's Euro-integration has faced challenges due to reluctance from European partners. The Parliament emphasizes that the government applied for EU membership in 2022 and achieved EU candidate status in December 2023, despite facing setbacks in the process.
The third accusation , that Georgia is forging improper ties with Russia, China, and Iran is also dismissed. The Parliament highlights that Georgia does not maintain diplomatic relations with Russia, a country that occupies 20% of Georgia's territory. Moreover, Georgia's trade relations with Russia are limited, and the country has joined numerous international acts condemning Russia's aggression in Ukraine. As for China and Iran, the Parliament notes that Georgia's relations with these countries are comparable to those of other Western partners, including the U.S.
The draft statement also criticizes the MEGOBARI Act as the product of "deep state" influence within the U.S., suggesting that the act reflects a broader pattern of unjust treatment toward Georgia. The Parliament expresses concern that this hostile approach is rooted in a desire to punish Georgia for not aligning with Western demands, such as opening a "second front" in the war in Ukraine. The statement concludes by urging the U.S. Congress to reconsider its stance and work to rebuild its reputation with the Georgian people.
The Georgian Parliament reaffirmed its readiness to cooperate with the United States on matters that can strengthen relations, despite the current tensions. The Parliament remains committed to democratic principles, the rule of law, and Georgia's strategic goals of Euro-Atlantic integration and sovereignty.
