Page 10 - GEORptAug22

2.6 US working with Georgia to prevent Russia evading sanctions
The US is working with Georgian partners to counter any attempts by Russia to circumvent the international sanctions imposed due to the Ukraine invasion, the Ambassador to the United States in Georgia, Kelly Degnan, said on July 28.
"Our Georgian partners work with us to ensure that Georgia is not being used for sanctions evasion. We see that the sanctions are having an effect. For them to have maximum impact and pressure the Kremlin to stop attacking Ukraine, it is essential that we work together to close all loopholes," Degnan said in an interview with Interpressnews.
Ukrainian officials have several times accused the Georgian government of supporting Russia to circumvent sanctions through the use of the Georgian territory and banks, allegations strongly condemned by the ruling Georgian Dream authorities, demanding evidence to prove the "unfounded accusations". Kyiv has not shown any proof of their allegations.
2.7 Polls & Sociology
US ranks Georgia as a good place to do business
16% increase in people who believe Georgia should limit economic ties with Russia
Georgia ranks high in the South Caucasus as a "good place" to invest but it is not without challenges, according to the 2022 Investment Climate Statements released by the United States Department on July 28.
The report noted that overall, business and investment conditions in the country were "sound", and Georgia "favourably" compared to the other countries in the region.
Challenges pointed out were the "increasing lack of confidence in the judiciary" and its efficiency, with "some business dispute cases languishing in the court system for years," the report said. Some investors complained about procedures on the municipal level, as well as shortcomings in enforcing intellectual property rights. Businesses have also complained about political meddling, selective enforcement of laws/regulations," the report noted.
The number of people in Georgia who believe the country should limit its economic ties with Russia has increased by 16%, a survey published by the National Democratic Institute shows.
The NDI poll also revealed the European Union, the United States and Turkey were the top three most desired economic partners for the majority of Georgians following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The number of people believing the EU will improve the Georgian economy has increased to 62 percent following Russia's launch of its invasion of Ukraine in February, the same survey indicates.
The poll also shows ruling party supporters and senior citizens being “more likely to approve not joining economic sanctions against Russia", NDI said. The findings also reveal 81 percent of people believe the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine will negatively affect the economic well-being of their families, while 80 percent expect an economic decline in the country.
The survey was carried out by the NDI and the Georgian office of the Caucasus Research Resource Centers with a total of 4,060 interviews conducted between February and March.
10 GEORGIA Country Report August 2022 www.intellinews.com