Georgian FM Thanks US Senators for Supporting Georgia’s Territorial Integrity with Resolution

Georgia’s Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze thanked the Helsinki Commission Chairman Senator Roger Wicker (MS) and Ranking Commissioner Senator Ben Cardin (MD) for introducing a resolution supporting the territorial integrity of Georgia to the United States (US) Senate on March 30 in the following tweet.

Thank you @SenatorWicker @SenatorCardin. US Senate ready 2 express unwavered support 2 territorial integr of Georgia https://t.co/KAdV2QCcNI

— Mikheil Janelidze (@JanelidzeMkh) March 31, 2017

The resolution condemns the ongoing military intervention and occupation of Georgia by the Russian Federation, as well as Russia’s continuous illegal activities along the occupation line in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia).

The bill also urges Russia to fulfil its commitments under the Helsinki Final Act, which calls upon signatories to respect the territorial integrity of each of the other participating States of the Organization of the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). 

Chairman Wicker stated that Russia has tried to undermine Georgian sovereignty and territorial integrity for far too long.

“It is time for the United States to make it clear once again that we do not recognize Russian land grabs within its neighbors’ borders. Russia should adhere to the cease-fire agreement it signed in 2008, withdraw its troops from Georgia, and allow international monitors and aid workers access to occupied regions,” he stressed.

Commissioner Cardin stressed that Russia’s violation of the territorial integrity of Georgia is a “blatant breach” of one of the guiding principles of the Helsinki Final Act, and it reflects a broader pattern of disregard by Putin’s regime for transatlantic security norms and democratic values, which the US and its allies must stand against with resolve.

“Georgia is a strong partner of the United States and continues to take important steps to further integrate with the transatlantic community. Georgia recently concluded an agreement on visa free travel with the European Union, for example. This significant development shows that constructive interaction is possible and welcome,” Cardin stated.

The official web page of the Helisnki Commission says that the resolution mirrors a similar measure introduced in the House (H.Res. 660) in September 2016, and demonstrates that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia enjoy bipartisan support from both chambers of Congress.

 By Thea Morrison