America's North Shore Journal

Reuters: The United States on Friday asserted its support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and urged an immediate cease-fire in Georgia’s rebel territory of South Ossetia, where Tbilisi tried to assert control and Russia sent in forces. State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos also said the United States was sending an envoy to the region “to engage with the parties in the conflict.” “We support Georgia’s territorial integrity and call for an immediate cease-fire. We urge all parties, including Georgians, South Ossetians and Russians to de-escalate and avoid conflict,” Gallegos said. From the State Department’s notes on Georgia: U.S.-Georgia relations continue to be close. Extensive 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 … Read entire article »