Clinton calls on Georgia to observe rule of law
By Sabina Idayatova
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has pointed to the need of strict observance of the rule of law and transparency of all processes related to the recent arrests in Georgia.
Clinton made the statement before meeting Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze in Washington on Thursday, Trend news agency reported.
"We are very much supportive of the peaceful transition of power that occurred as a result of this election [the October 1 parliamentary election won by the opposition coalition of billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who serves as prime minister in the newly formed cabinet]...and we do hope that everything that is done with respect to prosecuting any potential wrongdoers is done transparently in accord with due process and the rule of law as is befitting...the aspirations and sensitivities of the Georgian people," Clinton said.
More than 10 former senior officials, including a former interior minister and the army's acting chief-of-staff, have been arrested and charged with abuse of power, illegal confinement or illegally obtaining personal information.
Clinton noted the 20th anniversary of the US-Georgian diplomatic relations, saying the US administration is looking forward to continuing to work closely with the Georgian government.
The secretary of state regarded the parliamentary elections held in Georgia as the country's important step in the further development of democracy. She noted that the peaceful transfer of power was an important move of Georgia toward fulfilling its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Panjikidze, for her part, stressed that she is proud of the fact that Georgia is a strategic partner of the United States.
State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said at a daily press briefing that Clinton and Panjikidze had "a very good meeting." According to Nuland, during the meeting the Georgian foreign minister expressed reassurances with regard to the way the mentioned cases will go forward and "was very clear in understanding that they know the world is watching", Nuland added, according to civil.ge news website.
Meetings in U.S.
During her visit to Washington, Panjikidze held meetings with other officials as well. Panjikidze told Georgian journalists that during the meetings the main issues on the agenda were the importance of transparency in the investigation of crimes and other developments in Georgia.
Panjikidze met with the presidential adviser, as well as members of the Senate and Congress. The agenda of her visit also includes meetings with Senator John McCain.
Earlier, Panjikidze met with Democratic Senator Ben Cardin and Republican Congressman David Dreier. Cardin expressed his readiness for continuation and deepening of bilateral relations.
"We discussed the prospects of development of Georgian-US relations within the framework of the Charter on Strategic Partnership and cooperation in Afghanistan, NATO integration, and spoke about everything happening in our countries," Panjikidze noted.