Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the successful parliamentary elections in Georgia:

“I congratulate the people of Georgia on their successful parliamentary elections this week. Georgians deserve full credit for their dedication to democracy and freedom, and I commend President Mikheil Saakashvili and his government for conducting a free and transparent electoral process and their swift concession and gracious commitment to a peaceful transition in accordance with the will of the Georgian people.

“These elections marked an important milestone in Georgia’s consistent progress over the last two decades toward greater government transparency and political and economic freedom. As the people of Georgia and the newly elected majority in their parliament set out to chart a future course for their nation, they should know that the United States stands with them in support of these principles.

“I look forward to continue working with my Senate colleagues and the Georgian government to strengthen our bilateral efforts to meet the unique challenges we face and improve the quality of life of our peoples through greater transparency and solid democratic institutions.”