U.S. commits more military aid for Georgia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Secretary of State John Kerry told ex-Soviet Georgia that the United States would help it bolster its army as he reassured a close U.S. ally days before a NATO summit expected to focus on the threat a resurgent Russia poses, Reuters reports.

Kerry, on his first visit to Georgia as Secretary of State, made the commitment ahead of a NATO summit in Warsaw on Friday, July 8, at which members of the Western military alliance plan to announce action to deter possible Russian military aggression.

Georgia and former Soviet states such as Moldova and Ukraine have become increasingly concerned by Russia's intentions.

Moscow says such fears are unfounded and based on what it calls anti-Russian hysteria.

In a memorandum of understanding signed on Wednesday by Kerry and Georgian Prime Minister Georgy Kvirikashvili, the United States promised to bolster Georgia's ability to defend itself against potential threats.

That meant greater military and security cooperation, enhanced information sharing, and help building up defense capacity, such as improving combat readiness and supporting defense procurement, the document said, according to Reuters.

Until now, U.S. security support has focused on training Georgian troops for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"The United States stands firm in its commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders," Kerry told reporters.

Kerry visits Ukraine next, on Thursday, before heading to Warsaw to join U.S. President Barack Obama for the NATO summit.