This Commission hearing focused on democracy, human rights, and security in Georgia. The discussion reviewed the serious challenges that have been facing Georgia. In particular, the Commissioners and witnesses discussed the systematic rampant corruption which has impeded economic reforms. In addition, the Commission touched on concerning religious violence in Georgia. Since 1999, there have been many assaults against members of minority faiths, particularly the Jehovahs Witnesses.
Member
Hon. Christopher Smith
Co-Chairman
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Witnesses
B. Lynn Pascoe
Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs
Department of State
Levan MIkeladze
Ambassador to the United States
Republic of Georgia
Malkhaz Songulashvil
Bishop
Evangelical Baptist Union of Georgia
Gennadi Gudadze
Chairman
Union of Jehovahs Witnesses in Georgia
Dr. Gia Nodia
Director
Caucasus Institute for Peace, Development and Democracy, Tbilisi, Georgi
Stephen Jones
Professor
Mount Holyoke College
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