U.S State Department: Russian troops in Georgia not affect support for country’s integration into NATO

Georgia, Tbilisi, April 27 / Trend N. Kirtzkhalia / The Russian troops in the Georgian occupied territories will not affect NATO's decision to support Georgia's integration into the alliance, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Tina Kaidanow said. The issue on Georgia was discussed in NATO's and Europe's subcommittee of the U.S. Congress. The representatives of the State Department and Pentagon were invited there. Tina Kaidanow stressed that the U.S firm conviction over the fact that no country must be limited to choose the organization to join and each country must decide this issue itself, remains in force. "The presence of Russian troops in the Georgian occupied territories will not affect our decision," she said. "The United States and NATO support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia." She also said that U.S. support reforms in Georgia. "Our statements are very important," she said. "We will support the territorial integration in the future. Regarding the practical actions, we support the reforms in Georgia in terms of developing democracy and the economy. The current administration has also supported the allocation of a billion tranche to Georgia." U.S. Congressman from Indiana Dan Burton said that Georgia is the "best candidate" to join NATO and deserves a membership plan to the alliance at the Chicago summit. He said that this decision will help the country to successfully implement the reforms. Military actions were launched in the Georgian region of South Ossetia on Aug.8, 2008. Later Russian troops occupied the city of Tskhinvali and drove the Georgian military back. Russia recognised the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in late August. In response, Tbilisi broke off diplomatic relations with Moscow and announced the two unrecognised republics as occupied territories. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az