US Congressman calls Georgia-EU Association Agreement historic

"At the end of November, Georgia is set to initial a historic agreement with the EU which will help to strengthen democratic institutions, spur economic growth, and bolster the rule of law. Eliot Engel, US Congressman and the senior Democrat Member of the House of Foreign Affairs Committee announced.

He also stressed that Georgia achieved big success in adopting democratic norms and standards, despite the high pressure from Russia and expressed support for the territorial integrity of Georgia.

The statement was released by US Committee on Foreign Affairs.

You can read the full announcement below:

"On November 20, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs unanimously passed H. Res. 402. This bipartisan resolution, which I introduced, supports the European aspirations of Georgia and other states in the region, which are poised to deepen their ties with Europe as part of the European Unions (EU) Eastern Partnership initiative. At the end of November, Georgia is set to initial a historic agreement with the EU which will help to strengthen democratic institutions, spur economic growth, and bolster the rule of law. This agreement has been made possible by Georgias laudable progress in adopting democratic norms and standards necessary for closer relations with Europe, including holding a peaceful and transparent presidential election in October. It also is noteworthy that Georgia has persevered on its democratic path despite considerable pressure from Russia. Most recently, Russia has erected physical barriers around the occupied Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, where Russian troops remain despite a commitment to withdraw to positions held before the 2008 conflict. The U.S. must continue to stand up for Georgias sovereign right to make its own choices, and must continue to support Georgia as it builds a democratic, European future for its people. Eliot Engel.