Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze is scrambling for recognition. But he's not looking towards his neighbor to the north - Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation. Instead, Shevardnadze, perhaps more than a touch intimidated by recent dealings with Moscow, is looking to NATO and the United States. On November 21st, Shevardnadze announced Georgia's interest in formally applying for NATO membership, albeit admitting that his country still has a few years of development ahead before formal admission.
Shevardnadze also recently met with General Richard B. Myers, U.S. Joint Command Chief, so the two could discuss Georgian security and the progress of the U.S.' "Train and Equip Program" currently being carried out in Georgia. The program was designed to train the weakened Georgian military in anti-terrorist measures in the wake of the attacks on the World Trade
Shevardnadze also recently met with General Richard B. Myers, U.S. Joint Command Chief, so the two could discuss Georgian security and the progress of the U.S.' "Train and Equip Program" currently being carried out in Georgia. The program was designed to train the weakened Georgian military in anti-terrorist measures in the wake of the attacks on the World Trade
Center and Pentagon in September 2001. Myers seesthe program as eventually paving the way for Georgia's NATO membership.
Georgia is currently dealing with separatist, ethnic minorities in Abkhazia to the northwest and South Ossetia in the north central part of the country. Both regions enjoy de facto independence due to the disrepair and ineffectiveness of the Georgian military. Substantial evidence also indicates Moscow's hand when evaluating the strength and resilience of the separatists.
Georgia is currently dealing with separatist, ethnic minorities in Abkhazia to the northwest and South Ossetia in the north central part of the country. Both regions enjoy de facto independence due to the disrepair and ineffectiveness of the Georgian military. Substantial evidence also indicates Moscow's hand when evaluating the strength and resilience of the separatists.