[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 140 (Thursday, September 15, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S5838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     U.S. PARTNERSHIP WITH GEORGIA

  Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, Georgia is a trusted friend and 
steadfast partner of the United States. I firmly support Georgia's 
sovereignty, security, and prosperity, and I wish to congratulate 
Georgians on the remarkable democratic and economic progress they have 
achieved in 25 years of independence since the fall of the Soviet 
Union.
  I would particularly like to call attention to our unwavering 
security partnership with Georgia, whose Armed Forces participate in 
international missions worldwide, including the Resolute Support 
Mission in Afghanistan, where Georgia is contributing more personnel 
than any other non-NATO member. I know the United States deeply 
appreciates Georgia's contributions to these missions and honors its 
sacrifices.
  Our important security relationship with Georgia continues to grow. 
Through ongoing regional efforts like the European Readiness Initiative 
and expanded bilateral cooperation, as laid out in the new defense 
agreement signed in July, the United States and Georgia are working 
ever more closely to boost our mutual security, build Georgia's 
resilience and self-defense capabilities, and create a safer region and 
world. In this context, I remain deeply concerned about Russia's 
continued occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and believe Russia 
must fulfill its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement. The 
United States is steadfast in our support for Georgia's sovereignty and 
remains committed to helping Georgia achieve its goal of NATO and 
European Union membership and full integration into European 
institutions.
  Georgia is preparing for parliamentary elections in October, an 
important test of the country's civic institutions and democratic 
practices. Georgia's continued democratic maturation depends on free 
and fair elections contested in a pluralistic media environment. I also 
believe it is critical for Georgia to sustain progress in enacting its 
reform agenda, particularly in the justice sector, which will both 
further strengthen our bilateral partnership and prove to Georgians 
that their government is working for them. Progress has not come 
without difficulty, but the commitment of the Georgian people has made 
Georgia a true standout in a difficult region and an important partner 
of the United States.
  Again, I would like to congratulate Georgia on reaching this 
significant milestone and recognize the importance of our continued 
close partnership.

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