On 23 October, the United States House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Georgia Support Act, which was introduced by Congressmen Adam Kinzinger and Gerry Connolly and co-supported by 31 other US legislators, reported agenda.ge.
The act supports the country’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders; continued development of democratic values in Georgia, including free and fair elections, public sector transparency and accountability, the rule of law, and anti-corruption efforts; the right of the Georgian people to freely determine their future and make independent and sovereign choices on foreign and security policy; and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic and European integration.
The bill further emphasizes that the US does not recognise the illegal invasions and occupations of Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) by the Russian Federation. It condemns the ongoing detentions, kidnappings and other human rights violations committed in the regions "forcibly occupied" by the Russian Federation, including the recent killings of Georgian citizens Archil Tatunashvili, Giga Otkhozoria and Davit Basharuli. It calls for a peaceful conflict resolution in Georgia and establishment of international security mechanisms in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. The bill also calls for the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees, “all of which are important for lasting peace and security on the ground”. Recognising the continued threat posed by Russian occupation, the bill also directs the U.S. government to study and report on the threats to Georgia’s sovereignty and ability to defend itself.
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia expressed his gratitude for the act’s passing. “This represents the first standalone legislation related to Georgia [and] dedicated to taking our partnership to the next level” he said. He also noted that “this legislation will also bolster the already strong commercial ties between Georgia and the US” as it calls on the US Trade Representative to move forward with a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries.
Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs David Zalkaliani also commented on the act. He stated that the US passed the bill at a time when the American political agenda “is too busy” with different issues. “The fact confirms the importance of Georgia for the US. We wish to upgrade Georgia-US trade and economic cooperation to the level we currently have in defence and security. It is very important that the bill speaks about the significance of signing a free trade deal between Georgia and the US,” he said. He also added that the US and Georgia “have not had such a high-level legislative initiative in the history of [their] strategic partnership.”
US Congressman Adam Kinzinger said that the act will send a clear signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “After intrusion into Georgia by Russia in 2008, the country [has been] engaged in a struggle for existence because of Putin’s open aggression. Approval of the bill is a [chance] to show our support to Georgia. Georgia… is the biggest contributor to the US-led peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan. We are sending a clear signal to Putin to think twice before he interferes into Georgia’s affairs,” he stated.
The bill needs to be passed by the Senate and to be signed by the US President Donald Trump in order to be officially enacted.
