There are still questions about the Georgian government’s commitment to democratic values. I’m heartbroken by how your third president is being treated in prison – reads the letter of the 43rd president of the United States of America, George Bush, which was voiced by the former senior official of the US State Department and the director of global policy of the George Bush Institute, David Kramer, at the Tbilisi International Conference.
Bush’s letter states that there are concerns about Russia’s growing influence in Georgia and the Georgian government’s support for the Ukrainian people and leadership.
“Tbilisi International Conference is an important gathering and I am proud that the George W. Bush Institute is once again a partner of this event. Laura and I greet the Georgian people, participants and attendees of the event. While you are in Tbilisi, the world’s attention is still on Ukraine. The outcome of this war has an indeterminate meaning for freedom and democracy around the world, including for Georgia. Ukraine’s victory shows that democratic forces can gain the upper hand. A victory in Ukraine will highlight the strength of a people who yearn to live in freedom, a victory in Ukraine may also pave the way for an end to Russia’s occupation of 20% of your country’s territory, 15 years after Putin’s invasion.
The Georgian people remain unwavering in their support for Georgia to become a full member of the Trans-Atlantic democratic community and become a member of the European Union and NATO. Civil society in Georgia continues to play an important role in the process of moving the country forward. As I mentioned last year, Georgia occupies a special place in my mind. You have loyal friends in the United States of America. There are still questions about the Georgian government’s commitment to democratic values. I’m heartbroken by how your third president is being treated in prison. There are concerns about Russia’s growing influence in your country and the government’s support for the Ukrainian people and leadership. It’s time we all stand together. Let us use this conference to reaffirm our commitment to democracy and freedom and to defeat the forces that threaten these ideals. May God bless the Georgian people and the brave freedom fighters around the world,” reads George Bush’s letter.
