US Deputy Sec Sherman, FM Zalkaliani discuss ways to enhance peace, security in Europe
The Georgian Foreign Ministry states that Zalkaliani and Sherman agreed to continue consultations on regional security issues in the future as well. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
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US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman discussed ways to enhance peace and security in Europe with Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani during a phone conversation yesterday, the US State Department spokesperson’s office reports.
Sherman and Zalkaliani also talked about the security environment in the region and the Russian Federation’s attempts to hinder Georgia and Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration, the Georgian Foreign Ministry reports.
The conversation precedes the Russia-US security talks on January 10 in Geneva, and the NATO-Russia council scheduled on January 12 in Brussels.
I just spoke with Georgian Foreign Minister @DZalkaliani to express our unwavering support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We discussed Russian aggression and how to enhance peace and security in Europe. https://t.co/mo5K5mtcNi
— Wendy R. Sherman (@DeputySecState) January 5, 2022
[Zalkaliani] noted that Russia's attempts to hamper Georgia and Ukraine's integration into NATO contradict the principles and norms of international law and aims at restricting the sovereign state's right to pursue an independent foreign and security policy,” the ministry says.
Russia released a statement on December 10 demanding NATO member states rescind the 2008 Bucharest Summit declaration supporting Georgia and Ukraine's goal of becoming members of the alliance.
The conversation also touched upon the issue of Russian occupation of neighbouring countries’ territories and the failure to fulfil international obligations, emphasising that ‘ obligations under the ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008, remain one of the main challenges for modern European security.’
The Deputy Secretary noted the US will continue to urge Russia to withdraw its forces to pre-war positions and comply with the 2008 ceasefire agreement,” the US State Department spokesperson’s office reports.
A huge thank you to Wendy R. Sherman @DeputySecState for reaffirming that ????????’s support for ????????’s sovereignty/territorial integrity remains strong, especially in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression. ???????? &???????? remain steadfast partners in their pursuit of peace&stability in region. https://t.co/qi9sVkGwLs
— David Zalkaliani (@DZalkaliani) January 5, 2022
The EU-brokered ceasefire 6-Point agreement between Georgia and Russia was signed after the Russia-Georgia war in 2008.
The latter began on August 8, 2008, and lasted five days. Four-hundred and eight Georgians died in the armed conflict and about 26,000 people were left internally displaced.
Zalkaliani thanked Sherman for the coordination and exchange of information, noting that it ‘reaffirms the importance of the US-Georgia strategic partnership to the US.’
Sherman reiterated America’s unwavering support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
The Georgian Foreign Ministry states that Zalkaliani and Sherman agreed to continue consultations on regional security issues in the future as well.