The Committee of Foreign Affairs of the US House of Representatives of Congress has adopted the Georgia Support Act. The document says that the US continues to support democratic development in Georgia.

“The US continues supporting the development of democratic values in Georgia, including free and fair elections, public sector transparency and accountability, the rule of law, and anti-corruption efforts”, – reads the resolution.

The document underlines that the US supports Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, as well as supports Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic and European integration.

“We support the right of the people of Georgia  to freely determine their future and make independent and sovereign choices on foreign and security policy, including regarding their country’s relationship with other nations and international organizations, without interference, intimidation, or coercion by other countries; the US supports Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic and European integration”, – the document reads.

The authors of the document underline that the US does not recognize territorial changes effected by force, including the illegal invasions and occupations of Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia by the Russian Federation.

“US condemns ongoing detentions, kidnappings, and other human rights violations committed in the  Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia forcibly occupied by the Russian Federation, including the recent killings of Georgian citizens Archil Tatunashvili, Giga Otkhozoria, and  Davit Basharuli”, – the document notes.

The authors of the document state that, the US supports peaceful conflict resolution in Georgia, including by urging the Russian Federation to fully implement the European Union-mediated ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008.

The document focuses on cooperation between the US and Georgia in defense and security sphere and strengthening Georgia’s defense capabilities. The draft document notes that in fiscal year 2018, the United States provided Georgia with $2,200,000 in assistance. The authors of the document believe that the US financial assistance to Georgia should be increased.

The Congressmen note that “Georgia has contributed substantially to Euro-Atlantic peace and security through participation in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Resolute Support Missions in Afghanistan as one of the largest troop contributors”.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the heads of  other appropriate United States departments and  agencies, shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report  reviewing United States security assistance to Georgia.

According to the document, the US President shall impose sanctions on persons complicit in or responsible for serious human rights abuses in the occupied regions of Georgia.

In addition, congressmen believe that the US should assist Georgia to improve its cybersecurity and enhance assistance to combat Russian disinformation and propaganda.

“It shall be the policy of the United States to enhance the capabilities of Georgia to combat Russian disinformation and propaganda campaigns intended to undermine the sovereignty and democratic institutions of Georgia while promoting the freedom of the press”,  – the Act reads.

Authors note that the United States Trade Representative should make progress toward negotiations with Georgia to enter a bilateral free trade agreement with Georgia.

The Act is initiated by the co-chairs of the House Georgia Caucus, Congressmen Gerry Connolly and Adam Kinzinger.