US 2018 Budget Increases Assistance for Georgia to $105 Million
The United States of America, in its 2018 Spending Bill, increased assistance to Georgia to $105,325 million, $5 million more compared to the assistance allocated last year.
The corresponding bill was endorsed by the United States Congress and signed by President Donald Trump on March 23.
The newly passed $1.3 trillion bill is the latest attempt by Congress to take a harder stance on Russia.
"None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for assistance to the central Government of the Russian Federation," reads the section, which excoriates Russia for seeking to destabilize Ukraine, annexing Crimea and occupying Georgian territories Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
In addition to this, the bill prohibits financing for governments recognizing the independence of Russian-occupied Regions of Georgia: Abkhazia and Tskhinvali.
“None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for assistance for the central government of a country that the Secretary of State determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations has recognized the independence of, or has established diplomatic relations with, the Russian-occupied Georgian territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia,” the document reads.
It further notes that none of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available to support the Russian occupation of the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region.
The bill adds that the US Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States executive directors of international financial institutions to vote against any assistance for any of their programs (including any loan, credit, or guarantee) that violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.
The document also says that the funds used to assist the Eastern Partnership countries shall support implementation of these countries’ Association Agreements and trade agreements with the European Union, and to reduce their vulnerability to external economic and political pressure from the Russian Federation.
Georgian Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili welcomed the increased financing of Georgia and the US support towards Georgia’s territorial integrity.
“It is a clear confirmation of the support of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity by both the US Congress and Administration, and of commitment to deepen the two countries' strategic partnership and further intensify their cooperation. I would like to thank the US Congress and the Administration of President Donald Trump for yet another demonstration of firm support at a legislative level,” Kvirikashvili’s statement reads.
Georgia’s Foreign Ministry also thanked the US government and President Trump for supporting Georgia.
Georgia’s Foreign Minister, and Vice-Premier, Mikheil Janelidze, says this is confirmation that the US-Georgia strategic relationship is moving forward.
“We would like to thank the US Congress, the Administration and the President for supporting important points for Georgia in the 2018 Budget Bill, first of all related to the strong support of the US of Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Janelidze stated.
Thea Morrison