( Civil ) - The United States welcomed the decision of the Georgian parliament to lift the state of emergency on November 16 as "positive", however stressed the necessity for existing "free, robust, independent media" in the country, the U.S. official said on November 15.
"In the coming weeks as Georgia prepares for elections, it's very important that there be an open atmosphere where candidates can express themselves, that they have access to independent media and that there be an independent media that can report on developments in Georgia and be able to provide publics with information," Sean McCormack, spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State, said at a news briefing in Washington.
"Sometimes it may be difficult or uncomfortable for governments to have that independent, robust media, but it's an essential element of any thriving democracy," he added.