From Chairman’s Desk

Statement on Endangering Political Stability in Georgia

June 5, 2009

On May 2009, political tensions between the government of Georgia and the radical opposition
had escalated to a physical confrontation. Marching on the police headquarters, physically
assaulting journalists and police officers, and blocking highways, railroads, streets and
government buildings clearly (1) violates the constitution of Georgia, (2) destabilizes country,
and (3) makes country vulnerable to the foreign threat.

In August 2008, the Russian military forces invaded the sovereign territory of Georgia aiming to
overthrow a democratically elected government. Although its complete mission has not been
achieved yet, the invasion had a tragic circumstance - occupying twenty percent of Georgian land.
Ongoing political confrontation in Georgia among political parties weakens the country’s steps
toward completing the rehabilitation of the August war, supports an economic downward process,
and decreases the ability to fully exert its political leverage against Russia on an international
level.

Georgia is a sovereign, an independent and democratic country, and any effort to replace its
president through non-democratic means is unacceptable. The Georgian nation chose its path
toward democracy. Its people are committed to live in peace and their will must be respected.

USCA openly condemns the violence as means to pressure the democratically elected president
of Georgia to resignation. Furthermore, USCA also opposes verbal and physical abuse of
representatives of mass the media, and all efforts that destabilize Georgia.

We welcome the will and efforts of the Georgian government and some opposition parties aiming
at peaceful resolution of the ongoing political crisis through dialogue, and we urge radical
opposition to join the negotiations. Individual liberty and freedom are of utmost importance to
every democratic nation, and we ask the Georgian government to continue its commitment to
provide maximum support for the freedom of expression. In addition, we advise both parties to
maintain vigilance and prevent a possible provocation from a third party.

We believe the rule of law will prevail in Georgia, and both sides will make maximum effort
toward a free, transparent and constructive dialogue.

Yours in freedom,

Shota Mkheidze
Founder and Chairman
United States and Caucasus Association