US Congressmen Kinzinger, Connolly reintroduce Georgia Support Act

US Congressmen, co-chairs of the Georgia Caucus Representatives Gerry Connolly and Adam Kinzinger have reintroduced the Georgia Support Act. 

The document asserts US’ ‘continued support’ for the independence and sovereignty of Georgia, recognises Georgia’s commitment to democratic values including free and fair elections, and affirms US opposition to Russian aggression in the region.

The congressmen say that in Georgia’s occupied regions of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) and Abkhazia, Russia has fomented ‘unrest, aided separatist movements, and committed serious human rights abuses, including ongoing detentions and killings.’ 

Russian forces continue to harass civilian communities along the administrative boundary line and impede the right of return of internally displaced persons. The Georgia Support Act bolsters Georgia’s territorial integrity by authorizing sanctions against those responsible for or complicit in human rights violations in these occupied territories,” said the congressmen. 

Russia redoubled its occupation efforts during the pandemic. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge. 

 Connolly said that ‘I am proud to reintroduce the Georgia Support Act, which strengthens the vital US-Georgia partnership, a strategically important relationship in a critical part of the world.’ 

He stated that ‘as president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I am pleased that this bill recognises that Georgia has been a longstanding NATO-aspirant country.’ 

The Georgia Support Act passed the House of Representatives on October 22, 2019. The legislation also passed in the 115th Congress.