The Other Georgia On My Mind Ankara * TURKEY Caspian‘ Baghdad, (NAPSA)—There are many reasons Americans want to learn more about a region referred to as the “other” Georgia. The former Soviet Republic of Georgia, nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, boasting beautiful Black Sea resorts and dozens of winter sports areas, is rich in history and culture. Located where Europe meets Asia, Georgia was a key crossroads of the old “Silk Road”trading route from medieval Europe to India and China. Georgian history was recorded by the ancient Greeks—Prometheus wasforever chained to a rock in the Caucasus Mountains that today separate Georgia from Russia. The tale of Jason and the Argonauts is based along Georgia’s Black Sea coast. The legend of the Golden Fleece is based on the Georgian miners using woolto sift for gold in the mountain streams. Georgia became independent following the Russian Revolution in 1918 but was forcibly annexed into the Soviet Union in 1921. Georgia has been free and democratic since 1991. Astrongally of the U.S., Georgia borders Turkey, Russia’s Muslim province of Chechnya, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Within a few hundred miles of Baghdad and Tehran, it is used as a base for U.S. troops. As an outpost for the West, Georgia seeks membership in NATO andstronger trading relationships with the United States and Europe. Georgia is a leader amongformer Soviet Republics due to its democratic government and strong commercial system. As American interests continue to focus on the Middle East, the “other” Georgia may be more prominent in the news because of its strategic location. Because of its recreational opportunities, world-renowned wine industry and friendship with the U.S., the “other” Georgia may soon be on more people’s minds. For more information, www.georgiacaucasus.com. visit
