US-Georgian Military Accord Ratified

(Tbilisi. March 21, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Georgian Parliament ratified today US-Georgian military agreement, thus allowing the US government to occupy mutually agreed territories and buildings in Georgia for use by the US administration?s civilian and military personnel, transport vehicles, vessels and aircraft.

The Parliament approved the agreement with 138 votes to 1. The Parliamentary factions Industrialists as well as the factions backed by the Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze XXI Century, Revival and United Georgia were against of ratification. Earlier the Socialists faction was against the agreement as well, but changed the position later.

According to the agreement the US military and civilian personnel will also be able to enter and leave the country without visas and passports, using only their ID cards.

They will also enjoy privileges and immunities, similar to those of the administrative and technical staff of the embassy. According to the agreement, the military and civilian personnel will have the right to possess and carry arms on the Georgian territory.

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)