US envoy in Georgia makes comment on annual report on human rights by US State Department

"This year’s report on Georgia reflects a country and society in transition from a legacy of occupation and conflict to a future based in the norms and values of free societies who choose to cooperate and work together across Europe and the Atlantic region. It notes some important accomplishments but also highlights areas in which Georgia still needs to make progress to protect universal rights and to meet the standards for membership in organizations like NATO," said Ambassador John R. Bass in a statement released by the US Embassy in Georgia.

"This report covers all of Georgia, including the separatist territories, noting that human rights abuses occurred in those areas, but are outside the control of the central government. Our ability to meet with concerned citizens in those areas and discuss specific allegations was constrained by the de facto authorities’ and Russian forces’ refusal to permit international organizations full access to the territories in keeping with their commitments following the conflict in 2008," the ambassador said.

The U.S. State Department released its annual report on the human rights situation in nations across the globe, including Georgia, on March 11.  

This report assesses countries against universal precepts of human rights.

It is part of the U.S. effort to promote human rights around the world.  The human rights reports give information to Congress, and to the Executive Branch on what is happening in countries all over the world.


/Inter Press News/