News

Sunday, January 20, Tbilisi – President Valdas Adamkus, on a one-day working visit in Georgia, attended the inaugural ceremony for President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia.

After the presidential inauguration ceremony, Valdas Adamkus had a conversation with Mikheil Saakashvili.

“All political forces in Georgia have to understand that they must continue the reform process, bring political confrontation to a halt, and maintain a competitive environment. The international community needs a stable Georgia that pursues democratic changes and transparent policies,” said Mr. Adamkus.

The Lithuanian president pointed out that a constructive political dialogue benefited all: the governing majority, the opposition and, most importantly, the citizens. He underlined that Georgia was facing new challenges ahead: parliamentary elections and collaboration with the opposition – all of which would predetermine its future within the international community.

President Adamkus wished Georgia to pass the democracy test.

“It is a difficult challenge, but it has to be overcome if you wish to be accepted to the international democratic community. Such is our experience and our message to others,” said Mr. Adamkus.

President Saakashvili thanked Valdas Adamkus for the support extended in putting forward Georgia’s aspirations for western integration and requested further assistance on the road towards membership in the European Union and NATO.

During his visit to Georgia, President Adamkus met with President Lech Kaczyński of Poland.

In their meeting, President Kaczyński spoke about the importance of energy issues in the Baltic region which must not become a political game object.

President Adamkus expressed hope that the forthcoming visit by the Polish Minister of Economy, Waldemar Pawlak, to Lithuania would be successful and that progress would be achieved in resolving energy issues topical for both countries.

The Lithuanian and Polish leaders also spoke about Georgia’s prospects for integration into NATO. President Adamkus stressed that the will of the people of Georgia to integrate into the Alliance, as reflected in the recent referendum, was a serious argument in favor of Georgia’s membership in NATO.

President Adamkus also met Nino Burjanadze, Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia.

Valdas Adamkus proposed that Georgia cooperate more closely with EU institutions and structures when preparing for parliamentary elections so that there should be no shadow of doubt over their transparency.

Nino Burjanadze appreciated the idea, saying that they would make use of this proposal.

Press Service of the President