U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized the actions of Ivanishvili's bloody regime and assured that there is clear unity among partners against the criminal actions of the Georgian Dream party. Diplomatic statements must transition to concrete actions to finally rid the country of Russian puppets in power.

At a joint press conference with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Paris, Antony Blinken stated that the democratic backsliding in Georgia is "deeply troubling."

"What we are witnessing is democratic regression, which is deeply concerning. It is not only a regression in democracy but also a retreat from the aspirations of the overwhelming majority of the Georgian people. These aspirations aim to build a future increasingly aligned with Europe. We have witnessed this backsliding, seen government actions that contradict the will of the people they claim to represent. We have seen elections that raised many questions and repressive actions by the government against those trying to speak freely and openly," Blinken said.

According to him, in response to this, sanctions have been imposed on the founder and honorary chairman of Georgian Dream, Bidzina Ivanishvili, and other members of the government. Additionally, U.S. aid to the Georgian authorities has been suspended.

"I think you see clear unity between the United States, France, and many other countries in opposing the very troubling actions of the Georgian government," Antony Blinken stated.

It is worth recalling that on December 27, 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on billionaire and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party. The decision was published by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Bidzina Ivanishvili was added to the Treasury Department's SDN list, meaning the list of sanctioned individuals. Compliance with the requirements established for SDN-listed individuals applies to anyone seeking access to the U.S. financial sector. As a result of the U.S. decision, according to OFAC clarifications, "all assets of Ivanishvili located in the United States or owned or controlled by U.S. citizens will be blocked (i.e., frozen)."

Source: ekhokavkaza.com