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failures in environmental assessments with consequences for ecosystems and human settlements.
On the other hand, Georgia is currently part of one of the largest gas transport projects in Europe - the Southern Gas Corridor - and is borrowing money to build coal-fired power plants. Experts anticipate that many investments in coal, oil and gas will become stranded assets as early as 2020.
9.1.9 Defence sector news
The US State Department has approved a possible sale of $75mn worth of armaments to Georgia, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a press release published on November 20.
The armaments would comprise of 410 Javelin missiles, 72 Javelin command launch units, 10 basic skills trainers and up to 70 simulated rounds. The purpose of the sale is to improve the security of Georgia by increasing its capacity to meet its defence requirements. The DSCA concluded that the Georgian military would have no difficulty incorporating the weapons and that the sale would pose no adverse impact on US defence readiness. One US government contractor and two contractor representatives to Georgia are to be involved in the deployment of the weapons.
The US has in recent months stepped up its military support to, and diplomatic engagement with, Georgia as a means to maintain Tbilisi's interest in serving as Nato's strongest ally in the South Caucasus, despite the country not being offered Nato membership.
The small nation of only 3.7mn has been eyeing Nato membership ever since Russia invaded its territory in 2008. Despite Georgia's progress in revamping its military and its participation in Nato missions in Afghanistan and Iran, the security bloc has been reluctant to admit it amongst its members because of concerns over Russia's likely reaction.
41 GEORGIA Country Report December 2017 www.intellinews.com