U.S. Embassy Condolences on Death of Georgian Soldiers (February 22)

The U.S. Embassy community and I personally join the Georgian people today in remembering three brave Georgian soldiers:  Corporals -- Valiko Beraia, Ruslan Meladze and Paata Kacharava. They gave their lives while performing their duties in Helmand Province with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. On behalf of the American Embassy, I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the fallen soldiers. Our thoughts are also with these men’s comrades in the 31st Light Infantry Battalion who continue to carry out their duty in a dangerous and challenging environment.

Last week, Mr. Abdul Ali Shamsi, the security adviser to the Governor of Helmand Province, traveled to Georgia to express his own deep appreciation for all the Georgian forces have accomplished in Helmand Province. He said Georgian soldiers are admired for their professionalism and courage and they have made significant progress in providing security to the Afghan people who yearn for a safe environment in which normal lives are possible. Mr. Shamsi said that the Georgian soldiers have done admirable work in improving the lives of people in Helmand Province and he expressed his sorrow over Georgian losses.

The United States also recognizes the contributions Georgia has made to improving security in Afghanistan. We honor the lives of fallen soldiers by continuing to assist Afghanistan in its work to bring peace to its people and we will not forget the sacrifices Georgia has made in Afghanistan to achieve our common mission.

John R. Bass
U.S. Ambassador in Georgia