US Air Force Commander: Georgia continues to be steadfast partner despite occupation
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US Air Force Commander (EUCOM)/NATO General Tod Wolters has stated that in the Caucasus, where Russia occupies the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, ‘Georgia continues to be a steadfast partner and contributor to global security.’
Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the 2021 fiscal year Defense Authorization Request and Future Years Defense Program on Tuesday, Wolters stated that the Kremlin ‘exerts influence over countries in the South Caucasus through manipulation of regional tensions and enduring military conflicts with all instruments of national power.’
LIVE: @US_EUCOM/@NATO Gen. Tod D. Wolters, @US_TRANSCOM Gen. Stephen R. Lyons testify before the SASC on the #FY21 Defense Authorization Request & Future Years Defense Program. https://t.co/rKnMiXcmfL
— Department of Defense ???????? (@DeptofDefense) February 25, 2020
The Kremlin believes chronic instability in this area is central to regional hegemony. Russia maintains leverage over Georgia through its occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia [Tskhinvali], including its attempts to alter the administrative boundary lines of occupied territories, interfere with the transit of people and goods within Georgia’s sovereign territory, and complicate Georgia’s NATO membership aspirations.’
Wolters said that “strong bilateral and multilateral ties with European Allies, particularly with countries such as Turkey, Ukraine, Georgia, are crucial.”
Wolters praised Georgia’s commitment to international peace and security, lauding the country’s provision of 870 soldiers for NATO Resolute Support Mission.