Bush, Saakashvili Discuss Reforms, NATO, Conflicts

U.S. President George W. Bush said, at a news conference after his talks with President Saakashvili, that the two Presidents had “frank discussions” over democracy, reforms, Georgia’s aspirations to join NATO and the necessity to resolve the country’s conflicts peacefully.

President Bush started his speech at the news conference by talking about the “spectacular” and “impressive” cultural singing and dancing performed by the Georgian national folk troupe in the old part of the city which he saw during a concert attended by the two Presidents late on May 9.  An official dinner also followed the performance.

“I am so grateful for your hospitality. I really enjoyed the time last night. I learned what it means to be fed by Georgians. I am really full and the food was great. The cultural singing and dancing was just spectacular, really impressive,” President Bush said.

President Bush underlined that Georgia’s Rose Revolution in 2003, which brought President Saakashvili into power, was “a powerful moment in the modern history… it inspired others in the world who want to live in the free society.

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.

After his talks with President Saakashvili and Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze, the U.S. President also met with representatives of the ethnic minorities in Georgia.

Bush said that the two Presidents also discussed Georgia’s aspirations to join NATO. He said that President Saakashvili is very clear about the necessity “to meet the obligations to join the NATO.”

The U.S. President also thanked Georgia for “contributing troops in Iraq.”

George W. Bush stressed that he appreciates that there is “a full understanding” of a need and desire to settle the conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia peacefully.

The Georgian President also requested assistance from his U.S. counterpart in helping deal with some of the issues with South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

“I am confidant that good work, cooperation can solve [these issues] peacefully,” George Bush said.