AS PREPARED
On October 2, the United States Department of State released a statement by Secretary Hillary Clinton on last week’s parliamentary elections in Georgia. I have drawn heavily from that statement for my remarks here today.
The United States congratulates the citizens of Georgia on their peaceful and active participation in the parliamentary elections on October 1. This was a historic day for all Georgians and for Georgia’s democratic future.
We support the assessment of the joint OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) election observation mission that the Georgian people have freely expressed their will at the ballot box. We urge the authorities to conduct the final count and appeals transparently and in accordance with the rule of law.
Now that the people of Georgia have spoken, the United States encourages all parties to work together constructively in the new parliament to advance Georgia’s democratic and economic development. We look forward to working with the new parliament, as well as with the cabinet and the president of Georgia to build upon our strong relationship and create a brighter future for the Georgian people.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
