**Western Expert Supports Halting Aid to Georgian Government**
A senior fellow at the Atlantic Council says he supports stopping aid to Georgia’s government and imposing more sanctions on high-ranking officials. Daniel Fried made these statements in an interview with Voice of America.
Fried understands why some Georgians think their current government is not legitimate. He also supports Salome Zurabishvili, who has a strong political stance and is seen as having legitimacy. However, Fried urges people not to rely solely on recognition from the West for support.
**Georgia’s Future Depends on Its People**
Fried believes that Georgia’s future does not depend on what the West does but rather on what the Georgian people do. He points out that there are other ways to support Georgia’s democratic movement, and the West has experience in this area. Fried is impressed by the dedication and courage shown by the Georgian people during recent protests.
**Legitimacy Crisis in Georgia**
According to Fried, there is a legitimacy crisis in Georgia. The current government seems determined to isolate the country, which might even be their goal. This would allow Moscow to gain more control over Georgia.