The people of Georgia and the Republic of Moldova affirm their strong support for the principles and values of democracy, recognizing representative democracy to be the most sound model of fair and effective governance.

We hereby affirm democracy to be the only form of government that can guarantee the establishment of strong states, who in the process of nation-building seek to strengthen civil society and its institutions, ensure political accountability, defend social justice and majority rule with minority rights, uphold free press and the media, and thereby secure the rule of law and protection of fundamental human rights.

Georgia and the Republic of Moldova strive to establish a society, in which every individual feels secure and protected, and in which the State guarantees the protection of basic freedoms and liberties in a climate absent of fear or uncertainty.

We collectively affirm that popular support is the crucial test of a modern democratic government, for in a democracy a government's legitimacy depends on the support it receives in the form of a plurality of votes cast. We further believe that there is no alternative to free and fair elections in the countries that have emerged from totalitarian dictatorship and foreign rule, and that no external force can prevent freedom-loving peoples from voting and electing their leadership in accordance with their aspirations and beliefs.

In this respect, no one should be allowed to impose their alien will on people from the outside; no one should be allowed to influence the outcome of the elections; or try to change the political course of a country through blackmail or any form of illegal financial operations. Free and fair elections bring power to people, thus eliminating the power of cleptocratic pseudo-elites.

We hereby call on all democratic states to support the aspirations of our peoples. Furthermore, we ask that the community of democratic nations provide support to shield us from any form of illegal interference from outside that endangers democratic processes taking place in our countries.

The Republic of Moldova affirms its commitment to honoring the genuine democratic expression and will of its people, and urges the largest possible number of election observers from established democracies, the OSCE and other international organizations with authority to come to the Republic of Moldova, as we trust these observers to impartially monitor the elections.

We believe in the validity and universality of these fundamental democratic achievements. Furthermore, we are sure that the government of the Republic of Moldova will be elected as a result of free and fair elections, not through external threats that include economic sanctions and the attempts of corrupt clans to return to power with support from yesterday's masters.

This dynamic process should give new impetus to the GUUAM group of countries to become a safeguard of democratic principles and values for the entire organization and its member states. The new challenges that the member states face should be reflected in the actions and purpose of this organization. Taken together, these new realities imply new functions and goals, transforming GUUAM into a promoter of democracy, stability and security in the entire region. We are confident that these new principles will be implemented intensively starting from April 22, 2005 when the Republic of Moldova assumes the chairmanship of GUUAM.

In defense of freedom and for the advancement of stability and democracy, we hereby affirm our collective desire to participate in the construction of a new, United Europe, based on our common European heritage and identity, and our shared European values.

Communications Office
of the President of Georgia