There are citizens who are jailed because they are political opponents of the government. There are civil society representatives who are being targeted for their work to promote rule of law, free media, and free and fair elections. And there are ordinary citizens who are being labeled “radical” because their views differ from government officials, - the United States Ambassador to Georgia, Robin Dunnigan, said in a speech delivered at the embassy dedicated to the US Independence Day.

In addition, the ambassador said that from the very first day of her professional activity in Georgia, she has appreciated the efforts that Georgians make to protect democracy and has also seen people of different religions and nationalities coexist peacefully.

“In my time here I have seen how hard so many Georgians are working to deliver on the promise of democracy.

I have witnessed freedom of religion in the heart of Tbilisi, where the peaceful coexistence of churches, synagogues and mosques is a symbol of the spirit of community and inclusion of the Georgian people.

I have heard some say that the U.S.-Georgian partnership is a partnership in name only. I think we all know this is not true. Americans and Georgians have been true partners in our quest for democracy for over three decades.

I have met thousands of Georgians who told me how the U.S.-Georgian partnership helped them. Farmers, teachers, students, doctors, businesspeople, all of whom told me how their collaboration with America improved their lives.

In the aftermath of Russia’s 2008 invasion, the United States was here. As Russian tanks were withdrawing, U.S. tractors and engineers and food aid were arriving. Because that’s what friends in democracies do.

I have met countless members of the Georgian armed forces, medical researchers, and law enforcement officials who speak of their American counterparts as their brothers and sisters. All of us working together to improve the lives of Georgians and Americans, to help both of our countries deliver on the promise of democracy.

July 4 is also a day when Americans reflect on the tremendous sacrifices made for our independence, a day when we remember that freedom is not free. Today is a day when we reflect on our obligation to future generations, which brings me to a second key tenet of democracy: duty.

The price of preserving our liberties is real. Our men and women in uniform know that all too well, and I want to thank them for volunteering to pay the ultimate price for our freedom.

There are many others who are paying a price today for defending democracy. There are citizens who are jailed because they are political opponents of the government. There are civil society representatives who are being targeted for their work to promote rule of law, free media, and free and fair elections. And there are ordinary citizens who are being labeled “radical” because their views differ from government officials,” said the ambassador.