Political Officer Joye Davis-Kirchner spoke on the importance of free and fair elections in Georgia during her visit to Akhalkalaki and Akhaltsikhe, Samtske-Javakheti region, on December 18-19, 2007. She met with trepresentatives of the ruling and opposition parties and stressed the importance of accepting election results that reflect the will of Georgian voters. Ms. Davis-Kirchner also briefed local press on the significance of free and fair elections and the essential role an independent and unbiased media play in the election period. Speaking to students at the Meskheti State University in Akhaltsikhe she emphasized the importance of maintaining progress towards NATO membership, which is not only an alliance for collective defense, but also a community of shared democratic values that have proven to be trustworthy and beneficial for all member countries. The students were eager to hear more on the history of the political culture in the United States and to compare the election processes taking place in the U.S. and in Georgia. The visit was part of the U.S. Embassy’s trips to the regions throughout Georgia to learn more about the public's expectations in the pre-election period and reinforce the importance of democratic processes. 

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