Letter to the Hon. Mr. Ian C. Kelly, Ambassador of the United States of America - Rule of Law in Georgia

Letter

Dear Mr. Ambassador:

Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do regarding U.S.-Georgian relations and growing our strategic partnership. We write today to reaffirm our support and commitment to the people and country of Georgia, and our continued support for that relationship. However, recent events occurring in Georgia have raised concerns in congress regarding U.S. business relationships in Georgia and Georgia's commitment to abiding by contractual agreements and the rule of law.

Georgia has been a model for democratic progress. We strongly encourage U.S. private investment in Georgia and look forward to increasing U.S.-Georgian economic cooperation and bilateral trade. However, in order to continue that support we require a demonstrated commitment from Georgia to welcome and respect freely negotiated conditions of both existing and future business investment. Only by improving adherence to the rule of law, abiding by contractual obligations, and protecting intellectual property rights can we improve Georgia's business climate to both keep and attract more foreign investment. We cannot allow individuals in Georgia, including former government officials, to undermine commitments made to American companies.

We respectfully request you to engage with the Government of Georgia and emphasize their need to strengthen and enforce the rule of law with regards to adhering to contractual obligations and protecting intellectual property rights. We also request you demand that the Government of Georgia respect and enforce freely negotiated conditions of both existing and future business investments. Finally, we request you ensure the Government of Georgia understand the negative implications on foreign investment and their economy if they continue their current course of action.

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