US Congressman says NDI, IRI ‘do not choose sides or support particular political outcomes’

US Congressman Eliot Engel, who is also the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives, issued a statement in support of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI).

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia has made tremendous strides forward developing democracy and the rule of law—values at the core of America’s partnership with that country”, Engel said.

Noting that the Georgian people “remain on the front line” against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression, as Russia continues to occupy Georgia’s territory to this day”, Engel said he has supported Congress’ investment in Georgia’s democracy and civil society, including through NDI and IRI.

These organisations have worked with a range of partners to support democratic institutions worldwide”, Engel said.

In Georgia, they work closely with partners across the political spectrum, including the ruling Georgian Dream party and opposition parties. They do not choose sides or support particular political outcomes”, he added.

• Read Eliot Engel’s full statement

Chairman @RepEliotEngel: I have supported Congress’s investment in Georgia’s democracy & civil society, including through @NDI & @IRIglobal. In Georgia they work closely with partners across the political spectrum...& they do not choose sides.https://t.co/9lWeWfXluk

— House Foreign Affairs Committee (@HouseForeign) December 6, 2019