A new chapter in Georgia–US relations requires real change
A statement argues that renewed relations with the United States require concrete commitments to human rights, the rule of law, democratic institutions, and Euro-Atlantic cooperation.
A new page in U.S. relations is only possible after real changes, not declarative ones.
Human rights, the rule of law, freedom of speech, an independent judiciary, fair and competitive elections are not the subject of a trade or political declaration. These are fundamental principles that are expected of every democratic country.
The first step should be an immediate end to politically motivated persecutions, the release of all political prisoners, including Mikhail Saakashvili, who, according to many international politicians and human rights defenders, is being held in prison for political reasons. We need to ensure the independence of the judiciary, stop the pressure on the opposition, journalists and civil society.
It is equally important to hold free, open and democratic elections that meet international standards, as well as to exclude any informal interference by Bidzina Ivanishvili in the activities of the government and state institutions. The state should be run by legally elected authorities, not shadow centres of influence.
Washington will not evaluate statements of willingness to cooperate, but concrete actions. Trust cannot be restored by beautiful words - it can only be restored by real democratic reforms.
It is the release of political prisoners, the end of repression and the return of the country to the principles of democracy that can be the first step towards restoring a full-fledged strategic partnership between Georgia and the United States.
With all due respect,
Isa Sadykov is an honorary consul of the Government of Independent Tatarstan in Exile in Azerbaijan and former deputy. Minister of Defence of Azerbaijan