UK Suspends Bilateral Cooperation with Georgia Amid Rising Concerns

The United Kingdom has announced a suspension of several cooperative initiatives with the Georgian government, citing unacceptable violence and political instability in the country. UK Ambassador Gareth Ward issued a statement emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

"As our Foreign Secretary has stated, this violence is unacceptable and must stop," Ward said. "Accordingly, the Secretary of State has decided to restrict bilateral cooperation between the UK and Georgia."

The suspension encompasses a wide range of programs, including funding for Public Administration Reform, Reconciliation, and the Civil Cooperation State Peace Fund. Military cooperation is also affected, with the UK halting its assistance in constructing the Georgian Ministry of Defence’s Cyber Security Centre.

Additionally, political meetings and engagements are being curtailed. The UK has decided to suspend the Wardrop Strategic Dialogue, a high-level bilateral forum for discussing cooperation and mutual interests, until the situation improves.

"We cannot resume the Wardrop Strategic Dialogue in these circumstances," Ward concluded.

The UK’s decision signals a significant shift in relations and underscores growing international concern about the current developments in Georgia. The suspension highlights the importance of stability and adherence to democratic principles as prerequisites for continued cooperation.