The United States, under the Biden administration, as under previous administrations, is going to remain a strong supporter of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan declared in the TV Program Kviris Interview (Interview of the Week) on the Georgian Public Broadcaster.

Ambassador Degnan stressed that President Biden has been very clear, very direct, particularly regarding Russian aggression, but also about the threats that China poses to global trade, commerce and security in many ways.

“President Biden has made a commitment to push back and to defend the rights of free nations, free markets, countries like Georgia to choose their own future and direction. You know, the support for Georgia in America is bipartisan right now. There is also bipartisan concern about Georgia’s future and where the political leaders are steering this country. But that comes from a recognition that we share values that are very important and fundamental. New opportunities have emerged in the region as a result of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace agreement. Georgia must be well-positioned to use these opportunities, aspirations, to become a communications, transport and trade hub between the West and the East. This is a chance that Georgia should not miss. This is another reason why we call on the parties to reach an agreement so that they can concentrate on these big changes that are being observed around this country. It is disturbing that Russian forces are deployed in all three Caucasus countries,” Kelly Degnan said.

The Ambassador added that effort needs to be intensified to make Russia withdraw and get its obligations under the 2008 agreement.

“As I’m sure you know, this week is the Geneva International Discussions meeting. This is an important opportunity where dialogue plays a role in pressuring Russia to finally meet its obligations and withdraw its forces from Georgian territory. And the United States, under the Biden administration, as under previous administrations, is going to remain a strong supporter of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We know that that is crucial to Georgia, to the Georgian people. And it’s time that the suffering that people who are caught in this trap stops,” Kelly Degnan concluded.