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.
The bill, which was introduced to Senate on June 11, says that Russia's violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and Ukraine and its ongoing destabilising and aggressive behaviour have undermined peace, security and stability in Europe and beyond.
De facto official of the Russia-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region, Egor Kochiev said the Georgian police checkpoint in the village of Chorchana in Khashuri Municipality, close to Tskhinvali should be dismantled by 6 a.m. Friday, August 30.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia David Zalkaliani has told reporters his office will use "all available opportunities" to prevent unlawful actions along the administrative boundary line separating Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) and Abkhazia regions from the rest of Georgia.
The United States calls on Russia to suspend its illegal occupation of Georgian territory, the US Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus stated at a press conference yesterday. She said the US is “troubled by reports that Russian-backed de-facto authorities have resumed the installation of fencing on Georgian territory.”