US State Department issues statement on Georgia

The US calls on the authorities and the opposition in Georgia to show restraint and avoid escalating the situation that could lead to violence, reads the statement by US State Department spokesperson Ned Price, released on Feb. 18, Report informs referring to the department website

"The United States is deeply concerned by recent political developments in Georgia. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any actions or rhetoric that could escalate tensions or result in violence," the US Department of State said.

"We urge the Georgian government to act in line with its Euro-Atlantic aspirations and to reinforce its commitment to the principles of democracy, individual liberty, and rule of law by ensuring that its judicial and prosecutorial system is free of political bias. The United States supports a democratic, secure, and prosperous Georgia. We will continue to work with Georgia, our strategic partner, to promote the rule of law and accountable institutions," the department noted.