George W. Bush praises Georgia as example of democracy and freedom

Armenpress

GEORGE W. BUSH PRAISES GEORGIA AS EXAMPLE OF DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM

TBILISI, MAY 10, ARMENPRESS: Addressing a huge crowd of 150,000 Georgians
who were gathering from early morning in Tbilisi’s Freedom Square U.S.
President George W. Bush spoke about the necessity of enhancing democracy
and peace throughout the world and praised Georgia for its contribution to
this cause by serving as an example for democratic reformers.
“You are making many important contributions to the freedom’s cause, but
your most important contribution is your example. Hopeful changes are taking
places from Baghdad to Beirut and Bishkek. But before there was a Purple
Revolution in Iraq or Orange Revolution in Ukraine or a Cedar Revolution in
Lebanon, there was a Rose Revolution in Georgia,” George Bush was quoted by
Georgian news agencies as saying.
“Your courage is inspiring democratic reformers and sending a message
across the world – the freedom will be a future of each nation and every
people on earth,” he added.
He said that Georgia is today a sovereign and free and an example of
liberty in the region and in the world.
The U.S. President warned that the path of democracy “is not easy.”
“Real change and real challenge is to build up free institutions in their
place. This is difficult work… But you will not be traveling alone. The
American people will stand with you,” President Bush said.
He said that “free nations of the United States and Georgia have a great
responsibility and together we will do our duty.” “Free societies are
peaceful societies and by extending liberty we will advance the cause of
freedom and we will advance cause of peace,” Bush added.
In turn, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has pledged that “Georgia
will become the main partner of the United States in spreading democracy and
freedom in the post-Soviet space. This is our proposal. We will always be
with you in protecting freedom and democracy.”
George Bush also said that peaceful resolution of conflicts in Georgia
“is essential” for Georgia’s integration in the Euro-Atlantic structures,
adding that the U.S. supports Georgia’s aspirations for NATO membership.
“Georgia’s leaders know that peaceful resolution of conflicts is
essential for their integration into the Trans-Atlantic community,” George
W. Bush said. “The territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia must be
respected by all nations,” the U.S. President added.
In the afternoon George W. Bush has left Tbilisi for Washington.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress