Georgia takes a step forward in NATO integration
By Mushvig Mehdiyev
The U.S. fully supports Georgia not only in bilateral relations, but also in cooperation under NATO, said Michael Turner, Head of the U.S. Delegation at NATO Parliamentary Assembly Session in Hague.
"Quite positive statements on Georgia have been made at the latest NATO Summit in Wales. The U.S. House of Representatives adopted a resolution on the assignment of Georgia's action plan on the integration into NATO, as well as deepening the cooperation with it," Turner said.
Georgia is represented by special delegation at the session.
Action plan for membership at the military alliance is a NATO program aiming to provide interaction and practical support based on the individual requirements of the countries, which are aspirants to join the Northern Atlantic alliance.
Integration into the EU and NATO remains a top priority of Georgia. European support bears vital importance for the South Caucasus country amid its tense relations with its northern neighbor Russia. Moreover, the northern giant's recent decision about Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia region push the country to boost its approximation with the western forces. Despite the two countries' numerous statements about being ready to settle the ongoing problem, tensions have not been reduced given irreversible stance of Georgia on its territorial integrity. On the other hand, Russia is planning to establish joint army with the government in separatist Abkhazia, despite harsh criticism from Tbilisi and international community. On the background of these developments the two neighboring countries still fail to reach any agreement and relent the squeezed relations.
The relations between Georgia and Russia pushed all limits when Georgian troops launched military operations to retake the breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions on August 8, 2008. Russian armed forces entered the regions to stop the military attacks by Georgian troops. After four days of tense fighting, Georgian forces were expelled from South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Russia carried out massive air strikes on the military and logistical targets inside Georgia, particularly in Gori city. Both sides agreed to a ceasefire on August 12. Russia is currently dominating the collective peacekeeping missions in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.