US Congressmen submit resolution supporting Georgia’s sovereignty, integrity

United States (US) lawmakers have registered a resolution in Congress that supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the future partnership and closer cooperation between Georgia and the US.

The resolution was registered yesterday in the House of Representatives of Congress by Georgia’s Friends Group, formed last year in the US legislative body. 

The resolution condemned Russia’s military intervention in Georgia and existing occupation of 20 percent of Georgian’s territory - Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia). The document also condemned Russia’s unlawful actions at the so-called Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) separating Georgia from occupied Tskhinvali.

The resolution called on Russia to refuse recognition of Georgia’s de facto Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions as independent republics and deny its current policy opposing Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

Furthermore, it appealed to Russia to meet its obligations outlined in the Ceasefire Agreement signed on August 12, 2008 after the Russia-Georgia war, and underlined the importance of more tangible outcomes from the Geneva International Discussions between Georgia and Russia. 

The resolution addressed the US Administration to enhance relations with Georgia and support the country to upgrade its self defence capabilities. 

Looking ahead the resolution will now be discussed at Congress’s Foreign Affairs Committee and then voted at the House of Representatives. 

Georgia’s Defence Minister Tinatin Khidasheli said the resolution was a result of "hard work over a long time by the current Georgian Government”. 

We can confidently say the resolution will face no problems and be approved, as these types of resolutions are rarely initiated if there is not a lot of support for them,” Khidasheli said. 

Georgia’s Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze stressed the resolution spoke about America’s "continued support” for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also clearly showed the wish of influential US people to see stronger ties between the two partner nations. 

The Minister hoped the resolution would be supported.