Bush departed from Tbilisi to Washington after addressing Georgians on Freedom Square

In his address to the Georgian nation, made from Freedom Square in Tbilisi, U.S. President George W. Bush talked much about the necessity of enhancing democracy and peace throughout the world and the contribution Georgia has given to this cause by being an example to democratic reformers.

“You are making many important contributions to freedom’s cause, but your most important contribution is your example. Hopeful changes are taking places from Baghdad to Beirut and Bishkek. But before there was a Purple Revolution in Iraq or Orange Revolution in Ukraine or a Cedar Revolution in Lebanon, there was a Rose Revolution in Georgia,” George Bush stated.

“Your courage is inspiring democratic reformers and sending a message across the world – freedom will be a future of each nation and every people on earth,” he added.

Earlier, at a joint news conference with President Saakashvili, Bush said Rose Revolution was “a powerful moment in modern history… it inspired others in the world who want to live in the free society.”

He said while addressing a crowed of about 30 thousand people on Freedom Square that Georgia is a sovereign and free today and an example of liberty in the region and in the world.

The U.S. President warned that the path of democracy “is not easy.”

“The real change and real challenge is to build up free institutions in their place. This is difficult work… But you will not be traveling alone. The American people will stand with you,” President Bush said.

He said that “free nations of the United States and Georgia have a great responsibility and together we will do our duty.”

“Free societies are peaceful societies and by extending liberty we will advance the cause of freedom and we will advance cause of peace,” Bush added.

Bush also said that he “appreciate[s] reforms you put in place here.” But he added that “the President [Saakashvili] recognizes that there is a lot of work to be done.”

President Bush stressed that “the truly democratic society is one that respects the minorities.” “This is a very diverse country,” he added.

In turn, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili pledged, in his address to the citizens gathered on Freedom Square, that “Georgia will become the main partner of the United States in spreading democracy and freedom in the post-Soviet space. This is our proposal. We will always be with you in protecting freedom and democracy.