Nino Burjanadze, Acting President of Georgia, discussed the events preceding the November Parliamentary elections. She noted that as a result of the formed situation the people did not have the other way out but come out in the street and protect their main Constitutional rights by means of mass peaceful protest. The Georgian people managed to protect democracy and prove that they are the nation bearing modern European values. President Shevardnadze acted rightfully when he saved the crisis situation with his resign. At present every condition is met for protecting personal safety and dignity of President Shevardnadze.

 

The Acting President of Georgia underlined that everything that happened would become a good example for the preparation process of the forthcoming Presidential elections. It is impermissible to continue the ignorance of the American assistance and recommendations, as experienced before the November Parliamentary elections.  The elections will be democratic and fair, but before that it is necessary to maintain order and stability-this is the main task at this stage.

 

Nino Burjanadze noted that in terms of finances there is a catastrophic situation in the country-treasury is empty, budget is not met, the state can not give salaries and pensions. It necessarily becomes the reason for fair concern of the population. Nino Burjanadze asked the US President to discuss the question of financial assistance to be rendered to Georgia as soon as possible, which will become the condition for maintaining stability in the country. Nino Burjanadze mentioned that with this aim she plans to talk to Colin Powell, US State Secretary at the OSCE Maastricht meeting in the nearest future.

 

The acting President of Georgia underlined that the strategic policy of Georgia would be directed towards the integration into the western structures. Simultaneously it is necessary to establish stable and good neighbourly relations with Russia.

 

As declared by Nino Burjanadze, stability of the country is in direct connection with the fight for restoration of territorial integrity and against different forms of separatism. She expressed her hope that the USA would support the leadership of Georgia in the ongoing political dialogue regarding the protection of territorial integrity.

 

President Bush expressed his pride with regard to the Georgian people having protected its Constitutional rights and to the events developed in a democratic, peaceful way in Georgia. It is apparent that revolution is not always a desirable way, but, as noted by President Bush, in this case there did not appear to be the other way out, since the infringement of democracy in the country was really threatened.

 

The US President highlighted that the US approves the first steps made by the interim government of Georgia, inspects with great attention the development of events and is ready to render every kind of assistance to Georgia. With this aim a special interinstitutional group would visit Georgia in the nearest future to study all the specific directions and prepare recommendations on issues badly needing the American assistance. In addition, the American side would try to assure the International Financial Institutions (Monetary Fund, World Bank) to assist the Georgian people and the new administration of the country.

 

The US President said that America is interested in kind neighbourly and friendly relations between Georgia and Russia, but at the same time it will not let the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Georgia to be threatened. The US takes serious interest in maintaining stability in Georgia and is ready to be involved in any dialogue developed for resolving the created problems.

As stated by President Bush, he will issue special orders to Colin Powell, State Secretary, to meet the representatives of the Georgian government at the OSCE Maastricht meeting and discuss the details with regard to the questions of the American assistance. The President mentioned also that in case of creation of additional problems in Georgia, the Acting President of Georgia can any time take a phone and give a call to him personally, as well as to Secretary of the National Security Council Condo Lisa Rays and State Secretary Colin Powell. The US President emphasized that he with great interest would look forward to Nino Burjanadze’s letter, which would extensively explain the occurred events, future plans and the needs of the country.