The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced the suspension of all program support to the Georgian government, as well as restrictions on defense cooperation and engagement with the Georgian government in response to the recent crackdown on protests in Georgia,
civil.ge reports.
In an issued statement, Lammy condemned the “shocking scenes of violence towards protestors and journalists” by Georgian authorities, saying the actions are “unacceptable and must stop.”
“In light of ongoing events, the UK will immediately suspend all programme support to the Georgian government, restrict defence cooperation, and limit engagement with representatives of Georgian Dream government until there is a halt to this move away from European democratic norms and freedoms.”
Lammy emphasized that the actions of the Georgian Dream government “tarnish Georgia’s international standing” and contradict the country’s constitutional commitment to a European aspiration.
“The UK will continue to stand by the people of Georgia in supporting their right to choose their country’s future,” the Foreign Secretary stated, signaling continued support for Georgian civil society and peaceful protests.