Georgia received major assistance from friendly states, especially the United States at all levels, from governmental to societal efforts to strengthen our democratic forces, for which the nation is profoundly grateful. Under Shevardnadze Georgia has instituted bold and swift reforms in all spheres of life. Political reforms have given Georgia a new constitution, which is up to world standards, providing the nation with a strong presidency and parliament. Parliament has a broad range of rights and responsibilities, and its legislation provides a good basis for further national development. The political structure has been reformed down to the municipal level with direct elections.
Legal reforms are nearly complete.
The Georgian government is ready for the October 1999 parliamentary elections and the April 2000 presidential elections. The Georgian government wants the elections to be free, open, democratic and transparent. Bold reforms have also been undertaken in the economic sphere. These unfortunately have proceeded against the background of civil war. The most difficult stage of these reforms is already past.