Kerry Congratulates Georgia on Independence Day

In a congratulation message on Georgia’s Independence Day, marked on May 26, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Georgia is a “leading example of democratic progress in the region.”

“On May 26, we mark a quarter century of friendship and strategic partnership between the United States and Georgia,” reads the statement issued on May 24.

“We see Georgia as a leading example of democratic progress in the region – an accomplishment all the more notable given the ongoing occupation of 20 percent of your territory.”

“The United States unequivocally supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders as well as its aspirations to integrate into Euro-Atlantic institutions.”

“We deeply appreciate Georgia’s partnership and sacrifice in Afghanistan in support of a better future for the people of that nation and region,” the U.S. Secretary of State said.