Vice President Biden’s Call with President Saakashvili May 14, 2009
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Vice President
May 14, 2009
Washington, DC – Vice President Joe Biden spoke by telephone today with Georgia’s President Mikheil Saakashvilli. They discussed a number of issues on the bilateral agenda and reaffirmed both governments’ commitment to a strong relationship between the United States and Georgia. The Vice President emphasized the United States’ unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Vice President welcomed the Georgian government’s measured response to the ongoing opposition protests and its efforts to engage in a dialogue with the non-parliamentary opposition. He encouraged the government to continue its outreach. He underscored the need for Georgia and Russia to exercise restraint and contribute to the stability of Georgia’s separatist regions. The Vice President noted the importance of the work of international organizations like the OSCE in Georgia. He also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to continue to work with others in the international community in support of the international presence throughout all of Georgia, including Abkhazia and South Ossetia, to address security, humanitarian and human rights concerns.