The Swedish Government has instructed Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, to stop all cooperation with Georgia in response to "the serious deterioration of the democratic situation" in the country.
“The Swedish Government has made it clear to Georgian Dream how seriously we regard the restrictions of democratic rights and freedoms in the country. Georgian Dream have introduced legislation inspired by Russia’s agent laws and accused the West of wanting to drag Georgia into Russia’s aggression against Ukraine," -says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.
Developments following the parliamentary election in October have led to a further deterioration, he added. "The Government does not see any possibility of continuing to pursue the kind of reform cooperation that Sweden and Georgia have carried out so successfully for nearly two decades. This must be seen as a clear signal," - the minister stated.
With this decision, the Government is also looking into the possibility of further increasing Swedish support to Georgian civil society to help with its democratic development,
Read next
15:53
Ukraine - Sweden
Sweden will give over $137 million to Ukraine for reconstruction, development, and humanitarian aid. The package, its largest civilian support to date, will fund infrastructure repair, mine clearance, and health worker training, with officials stressing both solidarity and Sweden’s security interest
12:51
Mass Shooting
At least 11 people, including the gunman, were killed in Sweden's worst mass shooting at an adult education center in Örebro, west of Stockholm, authorities confirmed.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment