Meeting of a U.S. Congressional Delegation with the President of Georgia - 2002-08-04

A delegation from the U.S. Congress has met with Eduard Shevardnadze, the President of Georgia, and other officials in Tbilisi. The American delegation, led by David Dreier, a Republican representative from California, visited Georgia. Following the meeting, Mr. Dreier told reporters that the U.S. should continue to cooperate with Georgia to build a democratic society and assist the country in facing its challenges. The congressional delegation's trip to Georgia is aimed at overseeing the implementation of a U.S.-led program for training and equipping the Georgian armed forces. Today, about 2,000 demonstrators marched in front of the Indonesian parliament, calling for the implementation of Sharia law in the country. This peaceful march in Jakarta took place while parliament members were discussing amendments to the 1945 constitution, which considers Indonesia a secular state. The proposed constitutional amendment aimed at implementing Sharia law is not expected to receive widespread support in parliament. Moderate Islamic leaders and many politicians do not believe that the strict enforcement of Islamic laws will be established in Indonesia anytime soon. However, some representatives have stated that the implementation of Sharia laws, due to the imposition of harsh penalties, could help eliminate widespread corruption. Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country, but followers of other religions also live there, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians.