Georgia - Political and Security EnvironmentGeorgia - Political and Security Env.
The United States established diplomatic relations with Georgia in 1992, following Georgia’s 1991 independence from the Soviet Union. Since 1991, Georgia has made impressive progress fighting corruption, developing modern state institutions, and enhancing global security. The United States is committed to helping Georgia deepen Euro-Atlantic ties and strengthen its democratic institutions. The United States supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and does not recognize the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions of Georgia, currently occupied by Russia, as independent. The status of each region remains contested, and the Georgian central government does not have effective control over these areas. In August 2008, tensions in the region of South Ossetia culminated in a brief war between Georgia and Russia. Russia invaded and occupied areas of undisputed Georgian territory.
While the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia –which Russian troops and border guards have long occupied without Georgia’s consent – have declared independence, only Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Syria, and Nauru recognize them as independent states. Tensions still exist both inside the breakaway regions and near the administrative boundary lines (ABL), but other parts of Georgia, including Tbilisi, are not directly affected. A number of attacks, criminal incidents, and kidnappings have occurred in and around the ABL. While none of the activity has been anti-American in nature, there is a high risk of travelers finding themselves in a wrong place/wrong time situation. In addition, unexploded ordnance from previous conflicts poses a danger near the ABL of South Ossetia.
Violent street protests in Georgia are rare, though some smaller political skirmishes have occurred. In recent years, police have fulfilled their duty to maintain order even in cases of unannounced protests.
Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
While the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia –which Russian troops and border guards have long occupied without Georgia’s consent – have declared independence, only Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Syria, and Nauru recognize them as independent states. Tensions still exist both inside the breakaway regions and near the administrative boundary lines (ABL), but other parts of Georgia, including Tbilisi, are not directly affected. A number of attacks, criminal incidents, and kidnappings have occurred in and around the ABL. While none of the activity has been anti-American in nature, there is a high risk of travelers finding themselves in a wrong place/wrong time situation. In addition, unexploded ordnance from previous conflicts poses a danger near the ABL of South Ossetia.
Violent street protests in Georgia are rare, though some smaller political skirmishes have occurred. In recent years, police have fulfilled their duty to maintain order even in cases of unannounced protests.
Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.