The United National Movement is creating a Register of Agents of Russian Influence in Georgia, the Chairman of the Political Council of Natio­nal Movement, Levan Bezhashvili, said at the briefing.

According to him, all those political leaders who are financed by Russia and the goal of which is to increase Russian influence in Georgia will be included in the register.

In addition, Bezhashvili calls on international partners to sanction the persons included in the said register.

"The draft law on transparency of foreign influence initiated by members of the parliamentary majority represents a complete disregard of Western values and strengthening of Russian influence. The initiation of this law is an acknowledgment that they refuse and oppose the choice of the majority of Georgian citizens and openly pursue anti-Western politics. Support for this law by the parliamentary majority will be a violation of the Constitution of Georgia, since the Parliament, as a constitutional body, is obliged to take all measures for joining the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This law will have a negative impact on the historical chance - granting Georgia the EU candidate status.

The draft law “On transparency of foreign influence" grossly violates the freedom of association and expression, the right to protection of personal data, the right to participate in public activities and the right to non-discrimination. The law aims to strengthen government control over civil society and organizations, to destroy free media and critical opinion, which is the basis for the establishment of an authoritarian regime.

Taking into account the rights guaranteed by Chapter 2 of the Constitution of Georgia, the spirit of Article 78 of the Constitution of Georgia and the obligations assumed by the Association Agreement, the United Natio­nal Movement is creating the Register of Agents of Russian Influence in Georgia. All those political leaders who are financed by Russia and whose political activities aim to increase Russian influence in Georgia will be included in the register.

We appeal to international structures to suspend the parliamentary delegation membership of all MPs who are part of the permanent parliamentary delegation created for regular relations with international inter-parliamentary organizations and who will support the mentioned law, including: Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, Organization for Democracy and Economic Development - GUAM Parliamentary Assembly, NATO Parliamentary Assembly, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly.

We appeal to the political groups (parties) of the European Parliament, to terminate the group membership of the deputies of the Parliament of Georgia, who will support the mentioned law.

We call on the embassies of the United States of America and the European Union countries in Georgia, to impose visa restrictions on Members of Parliament who will support the mentioned law, and their family members, and to prohibit them from travelling to the United States of America and the member states of the European Union.

We appeal to the international financial institutions, the relevant structures of the European Union member states and the United States of America, to restrict the right of above-mentioned persons to use their bank accounts in European countries and the United States of America, including by canceling the existing accounts and prohibiting the opening of new bank accounts", said Levan Bezhashvili.

source: IPN