US Ambassador: “We respect Georgia’s right to make decisions about its defence”
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Georgia is a sovereign state and we respect its right to make decisions on its own regarding its defence, says the US Ambassador to Georgia.
Ian Kelly’s comment comes after the State Department consented to the sale of a man-portable anti-tank system to Georgia.
Kelly said that such a system is only meant for a country’s self-defence. He added that Georgia has the right to strengthen its defence capabilities and that was why the State Department agreed to the sale.
Today the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency State announced that it made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale to Georgia for Javelin Missiles and Command Launch Units for an estimated cost of $75 million.
The agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 17, the agency wrote on its website.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said that the Government of Georgia had requested to purchase 410 Javelin Missiles, and 72 Javelin Command Launch Units (CLUs) (includes two Javelin Block 1 CLUs to be used as spares). Also included are 10 Basic Skills Trainers (BST); up to 70 simulated rounds; US government and contractor technical assistance; transportation; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of Georgia”, the agency said.
"The Javelin system will provide Georgia with increased capacity to meet its national defense requirements. Georgia will have no difficulty absorbing this system into its armed forces”.
The statement added that the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of approximately one US government and two contractor representatives to Georgia.
The sale will be possible to conclude only if backed by congress.
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