Georgia: April 9 Protests
Robert Wood
Acting Department Spokesman,
Office of the Spokesman
Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC
April 8, 2009
As a friend of Georgia, the United States stands with all Georgians in their continuing efforts to build democracy. It is this shared quest for democracy that reflects the common values that bind our countries together as strategic partners. We urge the Government of Georgia and all those participating in the April 9 protest rally to ensure that the demonstrations are peaceful and without violence. Peaceful protests are an important part of any democracy and an integral and acceptable way to express political views. Building a democracy can be facilitated when all political forces engage in dialogue, follow through on commitments, and collaborate on the hard work of democratic reform, including the electoral code and political environment, the judiciary, and independent media. The United States stands ready to sustain and deepen its support for these reforms, which are essential to Georgia’s success as a democracy in which voters determine the country’s political future.
PRN: 2009/303
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