US Senate approves resolution calling Secretary of State to designate Russia “state sponsor of terrorism” in Chechnya, Georgia, Syria, Ukraine
A similar measure had been introduced in the House, where Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to be a strong supporter of its passage. Photo: GettyImages
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The United States Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved a nonbinding resolution calling for the Secretary of State Antony Blinken to designate Russia as a “state sponsor of terrorism” for actions in Chechnya, Georgia, Syria and Ukraine that have resulted “in the deaths of countless innocent men, women and children”.
A similar measure had been introduced in the House, where Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to be a strong supporter of its passage. However, the power to designate a state sponsor of terror resides with the State Department.
Nevertheless, the Senate’s passage of the resolution puts yet more “congressional pressure” on the Biden administration to add Russia to a list of state sponsors of terrorism that includes Cuba, North Korea, Iran and Syria.
Armed forces of the Russian Federation have committed numerous summary executions against innocent civilians and have attempted to cover their atrocities with mass graves across Ukraine,” the Senate bill reads.
The Georgia-US relationship today is “as strong as ever", and our friendship is based on “shared values”, said Irakli Garibashvili, the Prime Minister of Georgia, on the celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between two countries.
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.
The United States remains “steadfastly committed” to its strategic partnership with Georgia, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said in a letter addressed to his Georgian counterpart Ilia Darchiashvili.
Political leaders in the United States, including President Biden, have made it clear that Georgia is an important partner for the country, US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan told Georgian press on Thursday.