U.S. Embassy Welcomes Arrest of Grenade Suspect

In a statement issued on July 21 the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi hailed the arrest of a person suspected in throwing a hand-grenade during U.S. President Bush?s speech on Freedom Square in Tbilisi.

Below is the full text of the statement:

?The U.S. Embassy welcomes the news that the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, through joint efforts with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, diligent detective work, and a strong commitment to solving this case, have taken into custody a suspect in the matter of the hand grenade which was thrown into the crowd during President Bush’s speech on Freedom Square on May 10, 2005.

The U.S. Government appreciates the hard work of the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs and the bravery and dedication of Georgian law enforcement that has brought this man into custody. The level of information exchange, liaison, and expertise displayed were truly a model for international law enforcement cooperation. Casting a shadow over this victory however, is the news that a brave and courageous MOIA Officer lost his life in the process of making this arrest. MOIA Officer Zurab Kvlividze died in the line of duty during this adversarial action and we honor his memory and sacrifice. We express our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.?

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