Georgian officials, people saddened by death of US Senator, great supporter of Georgia John McCain
During his last visit to Georgia late Senator visited NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Centre in Krtsanisi in January, 2017. Photo: Vano Shlamov/AFP
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Vietnam veteran and six-term US senator John McCain has died at the age of 81 in Arizona after battling brain cancer since 2017.
McCain, the initiator of several resolutions in the US Congress to support Georgia, was a close friend of the country, especially during the Russia-Georgia war of 2008 when he said: “Today we are all Georgians”.
John McCain was a dear friend and ardent supporter of Georgia. He was an American hero whose legacy lives on around the world. We extend our thoughts and prayers to his family.
— Mamuka Bakhtadze (@BakhtadzeMamuka) August 26, 2018
“In the name of the Georgian people and myself, I express sincere condolences over the death of Senator John McCain. The Georgian people have lost a great friend who has always supported our country,” President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili said today.
It’s hard to imagine a World without Senator John McCain. Today we lost a hero, the legend who sacrificed for values served for better future of our nations. His death is a great loss for the entire humanity. Thank you for everything and Rest In Peace @SenJohnMcCain pic.twitter.com/MEPe0wkvrv
— President Of Georgia (@MargvelashviliG) 26 August 2018
Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Irakli Kobakhidze has also expressed his deep condolences to the American people.
“I express my deep condolences over the death of Georgia’s outstanding friend, John McCain. He significantly contributed to deepening US-Georgia relations. In the name of the Georgian Parliament I express my condolences to the American people, family and relatives of the late Senator,” Kobakhidze said.
My deepest condolences to the Senator McCains family and the American nation.We lost Great friend & supporter of Georgia,defender of small countries worldwide fighting for freedom,peace,security & democracy. Rest in peace senator McCain Georgia will always remember and honor you!
— David Zalkaliani (@DZalkaliani) 26 August 2018
Based on sources close to the senator, CNN reports that McCain had been planning his funeral services over the last year. His family says former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush have been asked to give eulogies.