[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 144 (Thursday, September 22, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1340-E1341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF THE U.S.-REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA PARTNERSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2016

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, the Republic of Georgia is a trusted friend 
and 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 the United States' 
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. And our two 
countries are working 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 in a pluralistic media environment. And 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 the Republic of Georgia on 
reaching this significant milestone and recognize the importance of our 
continued close partnership.

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