(Tbilisi. April 12, 2003. Civil Georgia) – US ambassador to the OSCE Stephan M. Minikes is urging the Georgian authorities ?to take all possible measures to ensure that the October 2003 parliamentary elections meet OSCE electoral standards.?
Ambassador Minikes said, while addressing OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on April 10, ?among the immediate needs, we believe it essential that the Government of Georgia promptly establish fair, independent and transparent election administration procedures and prepare accurate voter registers?.
?The United States views democracy as integral to national security. The parliamentary elections present an opportunity to move forward on democratization and enhance stability,? the US ambassador said.