The US suspends its strategic partnership with Georgia.
The United States announced the suspension of its strategic partnership with Georgia, while also criticizing Georgia's ruling party for freezing talks on joining the European Union (EU) until 2028.
In a statement posted on social media on November 30, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said: "The Georgian Dream party's decision to suspend EU membership is a betrayal of the Georgian Constitution. We condemn the excessive use of force against Georgians exercising their right to freedom of protest and have suspended our strategic partnership with Georgia."
The US move comes two days after Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on November 28 that Tbilisi would not prioritize discussions on EU accession until at least 2028.
RT quoted Kobakhidze as noting that although Georgia aims to become an EU member, the process should be conducted under fair conditions. He also accused the EU of using the negotiations to "blackmail" Georgia and interfere in the country's internal affairs.
In response to the government's announcement, protests erupted in numerous cities across Georgia, with violent crowds clashing with police in the capital, Tbilisi. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili expressed support for the protesters, accusing the current parliament of being "illegitimate" and refusing to resign before her term ends on December 16.
On the evening of October 30, violence escalated outside the Georgian parliament building. Law enforcement used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd, while protesters threw bottles, eggs, and fireworks at police, marking the third consecutive day of unrest. Several protesters were arrested as tensions rose.
