but that is not how the government sees it. last night, that deep split in the country was exposed when parliament backed a bill that put georgia's accession to the european union at considerable risk. the protestors, many waving european flags, say the new "foreign agent" bill will limit press freedom and suppress civil society. and they suspect the kremlin is playing a role. earlier in the week, a committee hearing into the proposed legislation had ended in a parliamentary brawl. on her visit to new york, the georgian president salome zourabichvili — who opposes the bill — spoke directly to the protesters. translation: i am addressing you who are standing _ on rustaveli avenue this evening, as i myself have stood many times. i'm standing here in new york, and behind me is the statue of liberty. this is the symbol for which georgia has always fought, and for which we have come to this day. i am with you, because today

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