Saakashvili honored by President Obama

President Mikheil Saakashvili met with Eric Rubin, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. During the meeting, the Georgian president received a letter written by President Barack Obama. The letter emphasized the meaning of the parliamentary elections conducted in Georgia on October 1.

“Nothing would do more to enshrine the legacy of the Rose Revolution and to firmly link your country’s future to Europe, than conducting a free and fair election that affirms Georgia’s success as a democratic state. With the elections behind you, the world sees that Georgia, under your leadership, has successfully passed this milestone. It is testimony to your commitment to democratic progress, and it will be your enduring legacy. While the electoral outcome was a deep disappointment to you and your supporters, the results are representative of the vibrant, competitive democracy that Georgia has become during your tenure. Moving forward, Georgia will need your continued leadership in working with the new parliament and the leaders of the Georgian Dream coalition to ensure a smooth transition as a new government is formed. Together you will have the responsibility for charting your country’s continued democratic and economic development. Your public remarks in accepting the electoral verdict demonstrated your commitment to putting the interests of all Georgians first,” President Obama wrote in the letter.

At his side, Deputy Assistant Secretary Rubin told Saakashvili that it sets an example for other countries on how the democratic transition of power is accomplished. “Recently, I was attending the Geneva talks and Russian officials, as well as the separatist sides, are under this impression as a result of the parliamentary elections process,” Rubin told the President.