**US Bill Aims to Strengthen Ties with Georgia, but Georgian Politician Expresses Concerns**
A bill aimed at strengthening ties between the US and Georgia is set to be considered by the US House of Representatives today. The MEGOBARI Act, which stands for Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence, was introduced in Congress last year and has been supported by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
However, Givi Mikanadze, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Youth Affairs in Georgia, has expressed concerns about the bill. In an interview with journalists, Mikanadze stated that the MEGOBARI Act is “unfriendly” to Georgia and its people, and does not reflect reality.
According to Mikanadze, the title of the bill is misleading, as it does not accurately represent the context presented in the legislation. He believes that the bill is biased and does not take into account the will of the Georgian people, who supported the Georgian Dream party in recent parliamentary elections.
**What’s in the Bill?**
The MEGOBARI Act aims to provide support for the Georgian people and impose sanctions on Georgian officials responsible for human rights violations and undermining democracy. However, Mikanadze has expressed hope that the bill will not become law or, if it is adopted, will be amended to reflect the changes needed to justify its name.
In particular, Mikanadze emphasized the importance of simplifying visa requirements for Georgian citizens, launching direct flights between Georgia and the US, and signing a free trade agreement. These measures, he believes, would deepen bilateral relations and promote dynamic development between the two countries.
**Concerns about the Bill**
Mikanadze’s concerns highlight some of the potential issues with the MEGOBARI Act. If adopted in its current form, the bill could be seen as overly critical of Georgia and its government, which may strain diplomatic relations. Additionally, the imposition of sanctions on Georgian officials without a clear mechanism for review or appeal could lead to further tensions.
The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s support for the bill is a significant step forward, but it remains to be seen how the House of Representatives will vote on the legislation. As Mikanadze noted, any changes made to the bill should prioritize fairness and reflect the genuine interests of both countries.
**What’s Next?**
The US House of Representatives will consider the MEGOBARI Act today, which could mark an important turning point in the bill’s progress. The outcome will depend on the votes cast by lawmakers, as well as any amendments or changes proposed to the legislation.
If adopted, the MEGOBARI Act has the potential to strengthen ties between Georgia and the US, but it remains crucial for all parties involved to prioritize fairness, transparency, and a genuine commitment to friendship and cooperation.
