The US Deputy Secretary of State will visit Georgia and Armenia on July 9-17

US Deputy Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeyan will visit Tbilisi and Yerevan from July 9 to 17, 2024 to discuss issues of democratic governance and anti-corruption, media and freedom of speech, as well as the inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable groups. This is stated in the statement of the US State Department. "In Georgia, Deputy Secretary of State Zeya will meet with representatives of the government, civil society, media and parliament to highlight the serious US concerns about the Foreign Influence Act and other illiberal laws, as well as the damaging rhetoric of the Georgian government, which calls into question Georgia's Euro-Atlantic trajectory. He will make it clear that the government's undemocratic behavior and misinformation about the United States have damaged our longstanding relationship. Deputy Minister Zeya will also emphasize the unwavering support of the United States for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the commitment of the Georgian people to Euro-Atlantic integration, and Georgia's support throughout the 32-year partnership. In addition, he will re-emphasize the importance of free and fair elections, a vibrant civil society, respect for fundamental freedoms, the protection of members of marginalized groups, and the human rights of all Georgians. "Deputy Secretary of State Zeyan will also visit a non-governmental organization founded and managed by women displaced as a result of the ongoing Russian occupation of Georgia," the message states. According to the US State Department, in Armenia Zeya will meet with high-ranking government officials and representatives of civil society to strengthen the Armenian-American partnership and promote Armenia's democratic achievements in the areas of rule of law, anti-corruption and judicial reforms. He will visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to the memory of the victims of the 1915 Genocide. and with other international organizations operating in Armenia that provide support to representatives of vulnerable and marginalized groups. In addition, the deputy secretary will visit Haghpat Monastery to promote respect for religious freedom and to support the preservation of culture," the message states.