Pompeo: Breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia Are Integral Parts of Georgia
The United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, stated that breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia are integral parts of Georgia.
Pompeo made the statement after meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili at the State Department in Washington D.C. on May 21.
“The United States supports Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity with its internationally recognized borders. We call on Russia to fulfill all of its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, to reverse its recognition of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states, and to provide free access for humanitarian assistance to each of those two regions,” the US Secretary of State said at the joint press conference.
He also underlined that Georgia is one of the steadfast and resilient partners of the US and that it is the largest non-NATO state troop contributor to Afghanistan. Georgia has lost 32 soldiers in Afghanistan as part of the coalition forces.
“The US honors Georgia's sacrifice and we are deeply grateful for Georgia's steadfast support on this important joint mission. The US and Georgia continue to deepen our security relationship, including thorough cooperation on fighting global terrorism, stemming the flow of foreign fighters crossing Georgian territory and countering the smuggling of dangerous nuclear materials from the Soviet Union,” he said.
According to the US Secretary of State, despite Russian occupation of 20% of its territory, Georgia has continued to reform.
“Its success carries with it great responsibility to fulfill the expectations of the Georgian people and to deliver economic prosperity and governmental transparency. Our two countries' prime ministers are close partners and friends. The US has stood with Georgia for a quarter century, and under President Trump, we will continue to stand with you as partners, friends, and one day as NATO allies as well,” Popmeo stated.
By Thea Morrison
Photo: ABC News
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