Shaheen, Johnson, Risch Introduce Bipartisan Resolution in Support of Full Implementation of Georgia’s April 19th Agreement to Strengthen its Democracy

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) – a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and Chair of the SFRC Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation – joined Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Jim Risch (R-ID) in introducing a bipartisan resolution in support of full implementation of Georgia’s April 19th agreement to end the political impasse. The resolution reaffirms the United States’ support for Georgia’s path to bolstering democracy, including judicial and electoral reforms. The Senators urged the Georgian Parliament to begin its work without further delay.  

“I am proud to join Senators Johnson and Risch in calling on the Senate to support Georgia’s full implementation of the agreement reached earlier this week to end the political deadlock. I want to congratulate Georgia in reaching this agreement, but now the hard work begins,” said Shaheen. “This resolution reflects our commitment to Georgia and its transatlantic aspirations, and reflects our expectation that Georgia will fully implement the terms of the agreement to allow for democracy to prevail. The Georgian people deserve a government that will address the pressing issues at hand, which include a dire economic situation and the COVID-19 pandemic. We know that the political fate of Georgia has far-reaching consequences for the state of democracy in the region and around the world, and we stand ready to help the government and its people as they build a vibrant democracy.”

“We are pleased that Georgian politicians have reached an agreement that will provide greater transparency, checks and balances, and political participation,” said Johnson. “It is imperative that Georgians work together to fully implement the necessary electoral and judicial reforms that will help create a better functioning democracy.”

“Prompt implementation of the political agreement between the Georgian government and opposition party leaders would be another significant step toward resolving the political crisis that has persisted over the last several months,” said Risch. “I have said before that this agreement can put Georgia back on its Euro-Atlantic trajectory, and both sides should be praised for their leadership and courage as they have worked on this compromise for the benefit of all Georgians, but there is much work left to be done in order to rebuild political trust, and a strong and prosperous Georgia.”

You can read the resolution here.

Earlier this week, Senators Johnson and Shaheen released a statement applauding the new agreement reached by Georgia that addressed their political crisis. Last month, they held a hearing on bolstering democracy in Georgia in light of the country’s recent political developments. During the hearing, Shaheen and Johnson both agreed on the importance of showing bipartisan support for Georgia’s path to strengthen its democracy and committed to spearheading a resolution in the Senate that expresses that sentiment.