US Congress Proposes Bill Recognizing Georgia’s Territorial Integrity

WASHINGTON D.C. – Members of the United States Congress on Thursday proposed a resolution that would legally bind the US government to recognize Georgia’s territorial integrity, as defined by the United Nations.

The House of Representatives bill calls on the US government to recognize Georgia’s breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as integral parts of the country in all references and diplomatic dealings when negotiating with Tbilisi and other countries.

The resolution also strongly condemns Russia for its military intervention and recognition of the two separatist governments currently in power in both regions.

The bill also slams Moscow for its continued intervention into Georgia’s internal affairs and calls out Russian President Vladimir Putin for ordering provocations and unilaterally moving the internationally recognized contact line that separates rebel-controlled territory from Georgia’s administrative authority.

The House of Representatives, controlled by the conservative Republican Party, also issued a strongly worded message to US President Barack Obama’s administration, urging the White House to take further steps towards building a deeper level of cooperation and bilateral relations with Tbilisi, including arming Georgia with additional NATO standard military equipment and a modern air defense system.

The Congress’ foreign affairs committee will first review the bill before it is brought to the floor of the House for a vote.

Georgia’s Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli and Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze were both openly pleased with the resolution, saying the move was further proof that the US remains Georgia’s strongest ally.

Edited by Nicholas Waller