Saakashvili Hails EU Statement on Detained Teens

President Saakashvili told the extended session of National Security Council on November 13, that he EU’s statement on Georgian teenagers held in Tskhinvali was although late, but “sharp”.

“We welcome that the European Union made, although late but very sharp statement in which it demanded unconditional release of Georgian minors – children who were going to see an ailing father of one of the [detained] child in a house from where he was expelled in 2008; this is such cynicism not seen in this region,” Saakashvili said.

The Swedish presidency said in a statement on November 12 that the European Union “urges for a rapid release of all detained persons.”

In a statement on the same matter the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia expressed on November 8 “profound concern” about detention of four under aged Georgian citizens. President Saakashvili said on November 9 that this statement “is not enough” and that he wanted EU’s “louder reaction.” He also said on November 9 that he planned to talk on phone with U.S. Vice President, Joe Biden, on the matter on November 10; but neither the Georgian President’s administration nor the White House reported since then that such conversation took place.

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