WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Tuesday offered congratulations to the people of Georgia on the successful completion of Monday's parliamentary elections, praising it as " the achievement of another milestone in Georgia's democratic development."
"Georgian citizens have set a regional and global example by conducting a competitive campaign, freely exercising their democratic rights, and affirming their commitment to undertake a peaceful transfer of power," the White House said in a statement.
The Georgian elections "mark a significant step in the consolidation of Georgian democracy," as local and international election monitors have contributed to ensuring a transparent electoral process, the statement said.
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili on Tuesday conceded defeat of his United National Movement party to the opposition coalition Georgian Dream, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.
"Much work remains in the coming days and months. President Mikheil Saakashvili, Bidzina Ivanishvili and the leadership of the Georgian Dream coalition, and Georgia's new parliament will need to work together in a spirit of national unity to ensure continued progress on the advancement of democracy and economic development to the benefit of the Georgian people and the entire region," the White House said.
U.S. President Barack Obama, who is seeking re-election in the Nov. 6 election, and his administration "look forward to furthering our close cooperation and strong bilateral partnership with Georgia", it added.
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