There are still doubts about the Georgian Government’s commitment towards democratic values. David Kramer, former senior official of US State Department, and director of global policy of George Bush Institute at the Tbilisi International Conference, read the letter of George Bush, 43rd President of the United States of America.
Bush’s letter expresses concern about Russia‘s growing presence in Georgia, and the Georgian government supporting the Ukrainian people and leadership.
“The Tbilisi International Conference represents an important gathering, and I am proud to say that the George W. Bush Institute has once again been a partner in this event. Laura and I welcome the Georgian people as well as the participants and attendees at the event. While you are in Tbilisi the world is still focused on Ukraine. The outcome of the war will have a global impact on freedom and democracy, including in Georgia. Ukraine’s victory demonstrates that democratic forces are capable of gaining the upper hand. A victory in Ukraine would highlight the desire of a people to live in freedom. It could also pave the path for an end to Russia occupying 20% of your country 15 years after Putin’s invasion.
The Georgian people are unwavering in their commitment to Georgia becoming a full member state of the Trans-Atlantic Democratic Community and a member state of the European Union and NATO. The civil society in Georgia continues its important role in moving the country forward. Georgia occupies, as I said last year, a special place in me. You have loyal American friends. There are still doubts about the Georgian Government’s commitment to democracy. I’m deeply saddened by the treatment of your third president in prison. There are concerns over Russia’s growing presence in your country, and the government’s support of the Ukrainian people and their leadership. It’s time to stand together. Let’s use this conference as a way to reaffirm and defeat forces that threaten democracy and freedom. George Bush’s letter reads: “May God bless the Georgians and all brave freedom fighters in the world.”
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