U.S. Vice President Joe Biden spoke by phone with President Saakashvili on March 4 and "affirmed" Washington's support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the White House said.

"He encouraged Georgia’s democratic reform process and the desire for an open, transparent, and free process during Georgia’s upcoming [local] elections," it said. "The Vice President thanked President Saakashvili for Georgia’s important contribution to the international mission in Afghanistan."