The Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland congratulate Georgia on passing its democracy exam by holding free and competitive Parliamentary elections. The initial reports confirm that elections in Georgia were conducted generally in accordance with the international norms, Unified Electoral Code and rules and procedures elaborated by the Central Election Commission of Georgia, and reflected the will of the Georgian people. The Presidents welcome the high rate of participation as a proof of democratic maturity of the people of Georgia.

Transparency of the election process was ensured by the large international presence. Numerous observers from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland as well as other international observers in various regions of Georgia reported of no essential irregularities.

Georgia has proved that it has strong democratic ideals. The Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland will continue to deepen its intensified dialogue with Georgia and support its efforts towards integration of Georgia to the Euro Atlantic structures.

Presidents also expressed their full support to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within internationally recognized borders and called on the Russian Federation to respect its international obligations and avoid taking steps destabilizing the situation in Georgia and the region.

Heads of States, gathered together in Riga, took note of the Bucharest NATO Declaration and reaffirmed their readiness to continue to work for full membership of Georgia and Ukraine in NATO and for granting them NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP) in the meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in December.

President's Chancery