UN General Assembly
2004

stage would mean reneging on the promises we have made and returning to business as usual in this part of the world. Our people will not forgive any hesitation. I believe that we cannot refrain from initiating reforms and taking radical steps at this time if we truly want to build a better future and forever change the rules of the game. But Georgia today is a visibly different State than it was one year ago, with fewer games and new rules. That is why those who fled Georgia throughout the past decade - one of decay and crisis - are now starting to return to their homeland. They are putting their skills, talents, ideas and energy to work for their new country. There is a great deal of new energy and a new optimism, which we are happy to observe. There is a renewed sense of hope and a renewed sense of purpose that speaks of unity and the unique strength that comes with it. Georgia's experiment in democracy is an ongoing success, not simply because I