Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Situation in Georgia

November 25, 2003

Recognizing the situation in Georgia, which had been in turmoil and resulted in the announcement of resignation by President Eduard Shevardnadze on November 23, seems to be developing peacefully so far, Japan intends to watch the situation very closely together with the international community.
Japan hopes that all the parties concerned in Georgia will refrain from using forces and violence, that the political situation in Georgia will be stabilized through a democratic process and that peace and stability in the region will be maintained.
Japan also expects that newly-planned Presidential and Parliamentary elections will be carried out in a free and fair manner, and is ready to study what cooperation it can extend for that purpose.

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