[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 62 (Thursday, May 6, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  DEMOCRACY AGAIN TRIUMPHS IN GEORGIA

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, there is good news from Georgia this 
morning. In a second bloodless revolution in that country, former 
Soviet official and Ajaria troublemaker Alan Abashidze fled into exile 
after thousands of opponents--including some from within his own police 
and military forces--took to the streets to demand change.
  Abashidze's hasty departure is a great victory for the people of 
Georgia and their leaders, particularly President Saakashvili and Prime 
Minister Zhvania. By seeking a non-violent solution to the crisis in 
the breakaway region of Ajari, Saakashvili and Zhvania demonstrated 
patience in the face of Abashidze's hostile provocations--designed to 
spark a military conflict.
  Reports of the celebrations in the streets of Batumi are inspiring, 
particularly those of reformers waving American flags along side their 
own country. I want to remind my colleagues such symbolism is a reality 
in Iraq, where Georgian soldiers serve alongside U.S. and Coalition 
forces.
  My message to the people of Georgia is clear: America will continue 
to stand with them as they champion the cause of democracy. We will 
continue to help them build a country--and institutions--dedicated to 
the furtherance of freedom and the rule of law.
  Once again, democracy triumphs in Georgia.

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