2008 Embassy Events
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Ambassador Williamson addresses the press. (Photo by Hatia Jinjikhadze.)
U.S. Ambassador for War Crimes Issues Visits Georgia
United States Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues Clint Williamson visited Georgia on September 10-11. In Gori he met with Governor Lado Vardzelashvili and visited sites affected by the bombing of the city during the Russian invasion of Georgia. In his official capacity, he follows situations around the world where there are reported violations of International Humanitarian Law and coordinates United States Government policy to ensure that persons responsible for those crimes are held accountable. Ambassador Williamson works closely with other governments – with European partners in particular – and with all of the international tribunals that have been established to dispense justice. In a press statement, Ambassador Williamson said, “I have come to Georgia to emphasize how seriously the United States takes the allegations of crimes that occurred in the recent conflict and how concerned we are about ongoing activities that effectively result in ethnic cleansing. Additionally, under United States law, I have a statutory obligation to collect information on crimes that may have occurred in conflict situations and to make recommendations to ensure accountability. We have been following events in Georgia closely, since the outbreak of hostilities, and have been assiduously doing this. It is extremely helpful, though, to come here personally, to meet directly with people who have been impacted, and get a more detailed account of what has occurred.”
