Georgia parliament speaker wants U.S. base before joining NATOSeptember 7, 2016 - 13:12 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Republican Party wants to have a U.S. military base in Georgia before the country becomes a full member of NATO, the Democracy & Freedom Watch said citing party spokesperson Davit Usupashvili. During a debate on Rustavi 2 Tuesday, September 6, Usupashvili, who is the speaker of parliament, drew attention to his proposal to add a text to the Constitution saying that “it is the firm will of Georgian people to join the Euro-Atlantic space.” The proposal came as a response to a proposal by Nino Burjanadze, leader of Democratic Movement, to state in the Constitution that Georgia should have a non-bloc status, i.e. not be allied with either NATO or Russia. Usupashvili said that number one issue on the Republicans’ list of priorities is the security of the state, and their main goal is to join NATO. He went even further and proposed establishing a United States military base in Georgia before the country even becomes a member of NATO. “Before Georgia actually joins NATO, the country has to take care that a U.S. military base be established on its territory,” Usupashvili said. In 2015, NATO opened a training facility in Tbilisi, which was unofficially described as a base. Russia called the move provocative. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | SBP instant transfers now available from 190 Russian banks to Armenia To receive money from Russian banks, easywallet users need to go to their easywallet accounts. Armenia's Davit Chaloyan qualifies for Paris Olympics The Armenian boxer qualified for Paris Olympics after a series of successful bouts at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament. Lemkin Institute urges Armenia to respect people’s right to dissent The Lemkin Institute has urged the Armenian government to respect people’s fundamental human right to express their dissent. French-Armenian journalist returns to France after 41-day hunger strike Nicolian said on social media on Sunday, June 2 that he needs to improve his health in order to “continue the fight”. |