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.'
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that NATO allies have called on Russia to withdraw forces from Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova at a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council held earlier today.
Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani said that NATO’s stance on Georgia and Ukraine is unwavering and that they [partner countries] will tell Russia at NATO-Russia talks today that the alliance’s position towards both countries will not be revised.
US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan has said that the US remains 'unwavering' about Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ambassador Degnan noted the US is willing to negotiate with Russia in order to prevent conflict but will not 'trade away' the sovereignty of any European countries, including that of Georgia.
Russia has called on NATO member states to rescind the 2008 Bucharest Summit declaration supporting Georgia and Ukraine's bid to become members of the alliance. The statement, issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, demanded the security guarantees from the United States and its allies.
United States Ambassador to Georgia, Kelly Degnan, met Georgian parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili and Chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party Irakli Kobakhidze earlier on Thursday to discuss new priorities for an upcoming legislative session.
US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan has delivered a speech in celebration of 30 years of diplomatic relations between Georgia and the US at the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia earlier today. Ambassador Degnan reaffirmed that Georgia and the US are "strategic partners," and the US is "very proud" to be assisting Georgia in strengthening democracy.
US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan has expressed her hope that the ruling Georgian Dream party and the opposition will work together in the "best interest" of Georgia. Ambassador Degnan further encouraged the opposition United National Movement (UNM) to enter the Parliament.
Rian Harris, the US Charge d'Affaires in Georgia, has reaffirmed the US supports Georgia and Ukraine's sovereignty, pointing out the latter countries had chosen to deepen their ties with the Euro-Atlantic community.
Georgia’s foreign minister David Zalkaliani discussed an initiative by prime minister of the country for facilitating regional mediation and a dialogue platform for ensuring peace and stability in the South Caucasus, during the participation of the Georgian delegation at the ongoing Munich Security Conference.
The United States will stand with the people of Georgia and for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity "now, more than ever," said US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan in her latest video message from Washington, DC.
Kelly Degnan, the United States ambassador to Georgia, on Tuesday said the country had seen some “important progress” in improving the efficiency in the operation of its judiciary.