US introduces new visa restrictions for Georgia and will review cooperation between the two countries in connection with the passed this month from the Georgian parliament a law "on foreign influence", US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced yesterday in a statement, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
According to Blinken's statement, the law would "stifle the exercise of the freedoms of assembly and expression" and will hinder the work of independent media organizations.
The bill sparked major protests in Georgia, with opponents calling it authoritarian and Russian-inspired. But Georgia's ruling party says it is needed to ensure transparency about foreign funding of NGOs and protect the country's sovereignty.
The visa restriction policy will apply to individuals who, according to Blinken, are "responsible for or assisting in the undermining of democracy in Georgia", as well as their family members.
"As we review the relationship between our two countries, we will take into account Georgia's actions in deciding our own steps," Blinken added.
Earlier yesterday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the US of blackmailing Georgia in connection with the "foreign influence" law approved by the country's parliament, Reuters notes.