''Georgian people are not surrendering; they keep fighting before they get what they want; before they join the western family,'' James Appathurai, NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, declared.
Mr.Appathurai thanked the Georgia president and people for the national award and appreciation, saying that the award will probably remain the most valuable for him.
In his speech, The NATO Secretary General's Special Representative remembered his first visit to Georgia as one of the most memorable, stressing that from the very start, it was clear for him that Georgian people made a civilized choice _ to become part of the west. According to him, Georgia has made great progress on its path to NATO, with its hardened and well-trained armed forces, well-functioning defense ministry, intelligence service, NATO facilities, and institutions.
James Appathurai emphasized that each day Georgia is coming closer to NATO, with NATO holding regular military exercises here and its ships entering the country's ports.
''This is happening, and I am aware that the change has been implemented; it is being implemented and keeps to do so. I also keep supporting it!'' he noted, adding that Georgia and Georgian people have amazed him.
''Choosing another path would have been immensely simple. By choosing an easier path, Georgia could have resolved its security issues and chosen another course. However, this never happened, as Georgian people share our values and strive to join the EU and NATO,'' James Appathurai said, stressing that he firmly believes Georgia is part of their family and their family is part of Georgia's.
