Mike Pompeo Confirms Strong Support for Georgia

Mike Pompeo, United States Secretary of State, has reaffirmed the unwavering support of the United States for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on the 10th anniversary of the Georgia-Russia August war 2008, which left 20% of Georgian territories occupied by Russia.

During a phone conversation with the President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, Pompeo said the United States will never accept the occupation of Georgian territories and will help the country to overcome the challenges that still exist ten years after Russia’s 2008 military aggression. 

“The United States supports Georgia’s peaceful initiatives and the country’s efforts towards peaceful resolution of the conflict,” the Georgian President’s Press Office reports, adding the sides also discussed Georgia’s democratic development.

President Margvelashvili thanked Mike Pompeo for his support, emphasizing that it is significantly demonstrated by the Trump Administration. He also recalled the key discussion held with President Trump as part of the NATO Brussels Summit.

Heather Nauert, a spokesperson for the United States Department of State, stated at the special briefing that the United States fully supports Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and rejects Russia’s recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

“The United States urges Russia to withdraw its forces to pre-war positions as per the 2008 ceasefire agreement, and reverse its recognition of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia,” she stated.

By Thea Morrison