Saakashvili Vows to Solve Conflicts Peacefully, Deepen Democratic Reforms
President Mikheil Saakashvili said at a news conference following talks with U.S. President George W. Bush that cooperation between the two countries “is more than only about strategic oil pipelines, or any economic cooperation – it is about our shared values of democracy and liberty.”
“We believe that our liberty should be defended… because of these shared values about democracy and liberty, Georgia has 800 troops in Iraq,” Saakashvili said.
He vowed that Georgia will “widen and deepen democratic reforms” in the country.
He also said that Tbilisi is grateful for the U.S.’ support in Georgia’s territorial integrity and in Georgia’s aspirations to join NATO.
Saakashvili said “we will peacefully resolve our disputes with our long-suffering South Ossetian and Abkhaz citizens.”
The Georgian President stressed that Tbilisi “seeks friendly relations with all our neighbors.”
He described George W. Bush’s visit as “emotional” and added that “Georgia is honored that you have come to visit our country, small but a great land. You are the most treasured guest.”
Saakashvili said that the huge number of people in the streets of Tbilisi, who welcomed Bush, demonstrates the importance of his visit for Georgia.
