[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 15515]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  DEMOCRACY IN THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA

  (Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, as the Republic of Georgia deals with its 
first democratic transition of power, I spent the last few days 
speaking at length with President Saakashvili and the new Prime 
Minister Ivanishvili about the necessity to continue the pursuit of the 
rule of law.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a critical moment for the Georgian people that 
could either put the country inexorably on the path of sustainable 
democracy or turn back the clock on the tremendous gains that have been 
made since the Rose Revolution. Mr. Speaker, the United States must 
remain engaged with the new government to promote continued democratic 
reform.
  A robust democracy demands not only the ability of the majority party 
to advance its agenda, but also the preservation of the rights of the 
minority to raise questions and hold the government accountable.
  Furthermore, prosecutions must be conducted in accordance with the 
rule of law, with full inquiries preceding arrests. Great diligence 
must be exercised to ensure that investigations are legitimate and not 
politically motivated.
  I have urged and will continue to urge, Mr. Speaker, this new 
government to deliver on its campaign promises of continued democratic 
development and enhanced transparency.

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