We strongly condemn the violence perpetrated by the Georgian government against the peaceful demonstrators in Tbilisi, - this is stated in the joint letter distributed in connection with the current events in Georgia, which is signed by 17 former American diplomats and experts.

As the authors of the letter say, Georgia, as a beacon of freedom and reforms, is at stake.

"We, friends of Georgia, including former American diplomats who served in Georgia and/or worked on Georgian-American relations, strongly condemn the violence perpetrated by the Georgian government against peaceful demonstrators in Tbilisi. It is also difficult for us to understand the decision of the Georgian authorities, led by the de facto leader of "Georgian Dream", Bidzina Ivanishvili and the Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, to stop the negotiations on joining the European Union. It was this decision, which was praised by Vladimir Putin a few minutes after its announcement, which led to the demonstration of tens of thousands of Georgians," the letter says.

Former American officials point out that after the European Union granted Georgia candidate status last year, the "Georgian Dream" government and parliament are taking important steps in the wrong direction.

"This is, of course, a critical moment in the history of Georgia, which affects the entire South Caucasus and beyond. Georgia, as a beacon of freedom and reforms, is at stake. Given America's long history of supporting the Georgian people as they move toward democracy, now is the time to act," former US officials note.

According to their own statement, now the USA should raise the issue of accountability of all responsible persons, and they talk about the steps that the USA should take:

"They are: refusal to recognize the results of the October 26 parliamentary elections due to questions about legitimacy, and also refusal to recognize the appointment of the new parliament and the "Georgian Dream" government.

Supporting the efforts of President Salome Zurabishvili to hold new, free and fair elections under the leadership of the new Central Election Commission, which will create a path for democratic renewal.

Call on the armed forces and security services of Georgia to uphold the Constitution of Georgia, the foundation of Georgian democracy, and to refuse orders inconsistent with this document, such as repression against peaceful demonstrators.