Georgia is on a path that the United States supports towards NATO membership

Philip J. Crowley - Assistant Secretary of State - Daily Press Briefing
Washington, DC - July 23, 2009
... QUESTION: Another subject? Georgia; during Vice President Biden visit to Georgia, President Saakashvili asked again for American weapons. Is U.S. contemplating rearming Georgia?
MR. CROWLEY: Well, Georgia is on a path that the United States supports towards NATO membership. Clearly, a fundamental tenant of NATO membership is to have a military that meets NATO standards and would add to the capability of the alliance. So it is logical that the United States would have a military-to-military relationship with Georgia. Obviously, it becomes increasingly important, given the current situation in and around that country.
So I think that the Vice President outlined today not only the importance of our relationship with Georgia, our willingness to continue to help Georgia with its defensive requirements, and a commitment that we will continue to work closely with the government going forward.
QUESTION: And aren’t you concerned that this could affect your relations with Russia?
MR. CROWLEY: I think we have made clear to Russia that ultimately, decisions like this rest with the people of Georgia, and we will continue to have, I’m sure, conversations with Russia on these issues. ...
Stichworte: Georgien, USA, Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #