Embassy Tbilisi Emphasized Importance of Free and Fair Elections in a Democracy
PAS Tbilisi arranged for Political Officer Kerri Hannan of the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi to speak to audiences of over 40 and 60 respectively at the Batumi American Corner and Batumi University on December 11-12, 2007. Ms. Hannan stressed that the Georgian people should accept the results of the January 5, 2008 presidential election and emphasized the deep commitment of the United States, the EU and many international organizations to assisting Georgia's efforts to hold free and fair elections. Ms. Hannan also talked about the crucial role a free and unbiased media plays in a democratic society. Using examples from the United States, she drew corollaries between Georgian and U.S. journalistic practices, and highlighted the common goals of the two nations. The students were eager to talk about their dismay at the break-up of student-led protest rallies in Batumi on November 8, as well as to ask questions about the U.S. elections and media environment. The Batumi local media gave political officer Kerri Hannan’s visit to Batumi wide and positive coverage. The visit was part of the U.S. Embassy’s trips to regions throughout Georgia to reinforce the importance of the democratic process.
|
