Washington—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today issued the following statement in support of the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute:

“Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia has made tremendous strides forward developing democracy and the rule of law—values at the core of America’s partnership with that country. And the Georgian people remain on the front line against Vladimir Putin’s aggression, as Russia continues to occupy Georgia’s territory to this day.

“I have supported Congress’s investment in Georgia’s democracy and civil society, including through the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI). These organizations have worked with a range of partners to support democratic institutions worldwide. In Georgia they work closely with partners across the political spectrum, including the ruling Georgian Dream party and opposition parties. They do not choose sides or support particular political outcomes. I urge my friends in Georgia to continue partnering with organizations like NDI and IRI to advance Georgian citizens' aspirations for a more democratic, sovereign, and prosperous future.

“The U.S. Congress stands with the people of Georgia, and I will continue to do all I can to support democracy and civil society in Georgia.”