Biden: US stands with Georgia23.07.09 17:56`The United States stand by you under journey to a secure free, democratic and, once again, united Georgia,` - US Vice president Joseph Biden started his speech in the parliament of Georgia with these words. He pledged America`s support to Georgia and said, the US will not improve its relationships with Russia at the expense of Georgia. `One year ago as the speaker referenced I came to Georgia under very different circumstances. I was advised by many not to come, I was told that it wasn`t a particular opportune moment. But I wanted to make clear why your independence was so important to my country and the world. Instead standing in your parliament I sat on a rooftop of a restaurant with President Saakashvili as the sound of artillery fire and fighter aircraft punctuated the night. On that rooftop I pledged American support to Georgia in my status as United States senator and I here today pledge it again as vice president of the United States of America. This visit to Tbilisi came deliberately right after President Obama`s trip to Moscow, for as he was planning this trip. He instructed me to plan my trip to Tbilisi. `Ladies and Gentlemen, I know that some are concerned, and I understand it, for our efforts to reset relationships with Russia will come at the expense of Georgia. Let me be clear - they have not, they will not and they cannot. `We stand by the principle that the sovereign democracies have the right to make their own decisions, to choose their own partnership and their own alliances. We stand against the 19th century notion of spheres of influence. It has no place in the 21st century. `We will not recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states. And we urge the world not to recognise them as independent states and we call upon Russia to honour its international commitment, clearly specified in the April 12 ceasefire agreement, including withdrawal of all forces to their pre-conflict positions and out of your territorial area. And we support the expansion of international monitors throughout Georgia to promote peace and stability. `We understand that Georgia aspires to join NATO. We fully support that aspiration. And, members of parliament, we will work to continue to help you meet the standards of NATO membership. `It is a sad certainty, but it is true there is no military option to reintegration, only peaceful and prosperous Georgia. A peaceful and prosperous Georia that has the prospect of restoring your territorial integrity by showing those in Abkhazia and South Ossetia Georgia where they can be free and the communities can flourish, where they can enjoy autonomy within the federal system of government, where life can be so much better than it is now for them. `Ladies and Gentlemen, my president and I, my country, we pray that your hearts make your desires come true. We will stand with you`, Joe Biden said in his speech. |
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