[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[March 24, 1992]
[Pages 502-503]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on Diplomatic Relations With the 
Republic of Georgia

March 24, 1992
    The President has decided that the United States will take immediate 
steps to establish diplomatic relations with Georgia. The United States 
had recognized Georgian independence on December 25, 1991. In recent 
weeks, the new Georgian Government has taken steps to restore civilian 
rule, begin a dialog on national reconciliation, and committed itself to 
holding parliamentary elections this year. On the basis of these actions 
and following communications between the leader of the Georgian State 
Council, Eduard Shevardnadze, and Secretary of State James Baker on the 
political, economic, and security principles of most importance to the 
United States, the President believes that U.S. interests will be best 
served by having diplomatic ties with the Georgian Government. The 
depth, extent, and richness of U.S. relations with Georgia will depend 
on the Georgian Government's commitment to these principles.

[[Page 503]]

    With this action, the United States now has diplomatic relations 
with all 12 of the new States of the former Soviet Union.
    The United States will open an Embassy in Tbilisi as soon as 
possible. In addition, the United States will support Georgia's 
membership in relevant international organizations, including the 
International Monetary Fund and World Bank.