US Ambassador Degnan: Georgia is 'valued partner' of NATO, US
The sides agreed to continue consultations in the future. Photo: US Embassy Tbilisi, Georgia
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US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan has said that Georgia is a 'valued partner' of NATO and the United States following consultations regarding Russia's 'aggressive actions' with Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani and US Assistant Secretary Karen Donfried yesterday evening.
Ambassador Degnan reaffirmed that each country has a 'sovereign right' to choose their political and economic allies.
We will not negotiate about Europe, without Europe. We will not negotiate about NATO, without NATO, and we will not negotiate about Georgia, without Georgia, she asserted.
Ambassador Degnan and Foreign Minister @DZalkaliani's Video Message Following a Telephone Call with European and Eurasian Bureau Assistant Secretary Karen Donfried https://t.co/tCICDwpri3
— U.S. Embassy Tbilisi (@usingeo) January 14, 2022
FM Zalkaliani expressed his gratitude for the US supporting Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying that Russia's 'aggressive rhetoric' is 'unacceptable.'
Exchanged views w/???????? Assistant Secretary Karen Donfried. Grateful to our partners for the constant coordination we have about our region & European security on the background of important devts & current discussions W ????????.
— David Zalkaliani (@DZalkaliani) January 14, 2022
There will be no decision about ???????? without ????????. @StateEUR
The sides agreed to continue consultations in the future.
The Russian Foreign Ministry put forward two proposals on ‘security guarantees’ between Russia, the US and NATO on December 17, which include restrictions on troop, ship, and aircraft deployments for both NATO and Russia, as well limits to the deployment of intermediate and short-range missiles abroad.
On December 10, Russia released a statement demanding NATO member states rescind the 2008 Bucharest Summit declaration supporting Georgia and Ukraine's goal of becoming members of the alliance.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg turned down Russia's demands, saying that they violate 'core principles for European security.'