US charge d'affaires: Georgians, Ukrainians chose to deepen ties with Euro-Atlantic community
Harris said the US, along with its allies, seeks a diplomatic solution to avoid conflict with Russia. Video grab.
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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.
Harris said the US, along with its allies, seeks a diplomatic solution to avoid conflict with Russia amid its military buildup along the Ukrainian border. However, she added, the US will not compromise "the security or self-determination" of their partners.
The United states will stand by Ukraine. The United States will stand by Georgia, which has also made its choice of sovereignty, freedom, and dignity," Harris asserted.
Harris cited diplomacy as "the only responsible way" to handle conflict. Nonetheless, she noted, if Russia decides to invade Ukraine, "it will be a war of choice."
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.
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.
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.
Former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul has said that Russia should agree to withdraw forces from Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine as part of the security deal proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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.