A campaign against the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) has recently gained a new momentum. It appears that this is part of an organized effort by certain forces aimed not only at discrediting Georgia’s strategic ally and American organizations operating in Georgia, but also at seeding nihilism towards liberal and democratic values among Georgian citizens.

Since restoration of Georgia’s independence, IRI and NDI have been supporting Georgia’s democratic development, rule of law, building of state institutions, development of civil society, establishment of a fair electoral system as well as fostering new leaders and initiatives, all of which are vital to the Georgian state. We believe that attacks on IRI and NDI serve the interests of only those forces which oppose the idea of a free, sovereign and democratic Georgia.  

The Chavchavadze Center expresses its solidarity with IRI and NDI and condemns the orchestrated campaign against these organizations. We stand ready to uphold and defend universal values of liberty and liberal democracy together with our friends and allies.