U.S. ambassador: USA believes parliamentary elections reflect will of Georgian people

Georgia, Tbilisi, Oct. 2 /Trend N. Kirtskhalia/

The United States believes that the parliamentary elections in Georgia reflect the will of the Georgian people, U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Richard Norland reported to journalists on Tuesday.

"Successful parliamentary elections are an essential step, taken by Georgia on the way to democratic development. These elections can be considered as the victory of Georgian people. The elections were a competition of political parties, the equal powers, and the resulted with new configuration of parliament," the ambassador noted.

In his words, the United States looks forward to close cooperation with new parliament and new government.

"We hope that cooperation with new legislative body and government will further improve strong bilateral relations between Georgia and USA," he stated.

The ambassador congratulated Saakashvili with a new step toward democratic development which was made under his leadership.

"We would also like to congratulate Bidzina Ivanishvili over the success of Georgian Dream. The United States hopes that both parties will cooperate for a better future of Georgian people, " the ambassador noted.
Parliamentary elections were held in Georgia on a mixed - list, majority system. Around 150 MPs must be elected - 77 on the lists (a passing barrier of five per cent) and 73 - single-seat constituencies.

Parliament will receive more authority in 2013 after amendments to the Constitution take effect resulting in the president's power being reduced.

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