Despite the fact that Russia systematically tried to undermine the traditional Georgian values of democracy, independence and freedom, Georgia did not give up - independence was gained and the Georgian people clearly expressed their desire - a democratic Georgia integrated with the West, the US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan said in an address to the participants of the essay competition Georgian-American "Progress".

According to her, for 30 years, the United States has been proud to be in Georgia at the request of the government and people, working with them to strengthen democracy.

"I want to thank Nino Chikvashvili for inviting me to speak to you at the essay contest "The Democratic Future of My Country" hosted by the Georgian-American International School "Progress". The US and Georgia are strategic partners in this difficult neighborhood and this partnership is based on our shared democratic and free market values, Americans and Georgians share a love of freedom and a desire to live in a democratic country where fundamental human rights are protected. Georgia has an impressive history and tradition of democracy and diversity - from Queen Tamar's assembly to Ilia Chavchavadze, considered the "father of the nation", author of innovative reforms, and the Democratic Republic of Georgia of 1918-1921. Like the United States, Georgia has a long history of diversity and tolerance, hosting one of the world's oldest Jewish communities, Muslim communities, diverse ethnic groups and diverse languages, and strong regional identities. I would like to point out that although the United States is the oldest constitutional democracy in the world, women in Georgia got the right to vote earlier than in the United States, and Georgia elected its first Muslim member of Parliament earlier than the United States elected its first Muslim representative in Congress. Unfortunately, the invasion of the Red Army in 1921 halted Georgia's democratic development and brought decades of occupation and repression. Despite the fact that Russia systematically tried to undermine the traditional Georgian values of democracy, independence and freedom, Georgia did not give up. Having gained independence, the Georgian people clearly expressed their desire - a democratic Georgia integrated with the West. Because of these strong democratic traditions and the clear choice of the Georgian people, President George W. Bush visited Georgia in 2005 to express his praise for Georgia as a beacon of freedom. Throughout the history of the United States, however, we have come to realize that democracy is more than just the right to vote; a thriving democracy requires strong, independent institutions that reflect and protect these values. Democratic institutions hold the key to freedom, prosperity, peace and individual dignity. As we have seen in many countries recently, impartial democratic institutions are the best protection against autocratic tendencies and those who will do almost anything to retain power. For 30 years, the United States has been proud to be here in Georgia at the request of the government and people, working with them to strengthen democracy and independent democratic institutions necessary for the protection of human rights. For years to come, the United States pledges to stand with the people of Georgia to uphold our shared values and strengthen the institutions necessary to protect them. Georgia's greatest victory will be its success in building a prosperous, secure, strong democracy. You, the future generation of Georgian voters, have a decisive role in this process. Good luck to everyone in this essay contest. The people of Georgia have much to be proud of, given your history and what you have achieved over the past 30 years, but you also have a lot of work ahead of you. The United States stands with you in this effort. We are stronger together. The strength is in unity," said Kelly Degnan.

*The quotes in the article have been double-translated from Georgian and wordings may be inaccurate.