Georgia–United States relations

Georgia-United States relations are bilateral relations between Georgia and the United States. U.S.-Georgia relations continue to be close.

U.S. assistance

U.S. assistance is targeted to support Georgia's democratic, economic, and security reform programs, with an emphasis on institution-building and implementing lasting reforms. The United States has provided Georgia approximately $1.7 billion in assistance since 1991.Fact|date=August 2008 On September 12, 2005, Georgia signed a compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation for a five-year $295.3 million assistance package. cite web
url=http://www.state.gov/p/eur/rls/fs/66198.htm
title=U.S. Assistance to Georgiandash Fiscal Year 2006
publisher=US State Department
date=2006-05-12 ] The United States works closely with Georgia to promote mutual security and counterterrorism interests. The United States provides Georgia with bilateral security assistance, including English-language and military professionalism training, through the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program. The multi-year Georgia Train and Equip Program (GTEP) ended in 2004, achieving its intended goals of enhancing Georgia's military capability and stimulating military reform. Launched in January 2005, the Georgia Sustainment and Stability Operations Program has advanced GTEP's goals and trained the Georgian contingent participating in coalition operations in Iraq. Partnership with the Georgia (U.S.) National Guard, visits by the Sixth Fleet and the Coast Guard to Georgia, and the Bilateral Working Group on Defense and Military Cooperation are also important components of our security relationship with Georgia.

Promoting democracy and reform is another strategic pillar of America's bilateral relationship with Georgia. In April 2006 the government passed a strong anti-human trafficking law. Since then, the government has taken further constructive steps to combat trafficking in persons. In 2007, Georgia moved up to the Tier 1 list, meaning that it fully complies with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.

Georgia hosts 90 Peace Corps Volunteers who work in English Language Education and NGO Development.

outh Ossetia conflict

President George W Bush has said the US will use military aircraft and naval forces to deliver aid to Georgia following the 2008 South Ossetia war with Russia. cite news
url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7559252.stm
title=US forces to deliver Georgia aid
publisher=BBC News
date=2008-08-13 ]

American Embassy in Tbilisi

The principal U.S. officials at the Tbilisi Embassy include:
* Ambassador John F. Tefft
* Deputy Chief of Mission Mark Perry
* USAID Director Robert J. Wilson
* Political/Economic/Commercial Affairs Attaché Bridget Brink
* Public Affairs Attaché Cynthia Whittlesey
* Defense Attaché Matthew Brand
* Management Counselor John Bernlohr
* Regional Security Officer John Galido

ee also

*Foreign relations of the United States
*Foreign relations of Georgia
*Bush Doctrine

External links

* [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5253.htm Background information]

References