[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 117 (Thursday, June 25, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       GEORGIA ADVANCES DEMOCRACY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2020

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this week was 
extraordinary for the advancement of democracy in the Republic of 
Georgia with the first step of adoption of important electoral reforms 
by the Parliament, led by Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia. The 
constitutional amendment approved by Georgian lawmakers this week will 
lead to a mixed electoral system in Georgia, a compromise brokered 
between the country's political rivals pursuant to the March 8th 
agreement. The Parliament's approval of this crucial reform signals 
Georgia's serious commitment to democratic consolidation and Euro-
Atlantic integration.
  The people of America appreciate the courageous Georgian lawmakers 
supporting the March 8th agreement. This includes this week's important 
electoral reforms but also efforts addressing political interference in 
the judicial system. In doing so, Georgia will safeguard the progress 
it has made and prove itself once again as an undeniably successful 
regional model of democratic transition.
  Georgia is well represented in Washington with Ambassador David 
Bakradze. South Carolina has a special warm relationship developed by 
Honorary Consul of Georgia, Admiral David Shimp, of Charleston.

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