"We're at a point in time when we think we have a real opportunity because with the signing of this joint declaration, the parties are coming together and saying that we share a common commitment to address the situation and to offer children better hope for the future through education."

VOA: special.2010.10.26

Reports at the time said more than Many analysts say it was a low point of Mr.Saakashvili's presidency.

VOA: standard.2009.09.01

He also offered some tough talk. "I emphasized that this has to be a point in time in which we begin to write a new chapter based on improved governance, a much more serious effort to eradicate corruption, joint efforts to accelerate the training of Afghan security forces so that the Afghan people can provide for their own security,".

VOA: standard.2009.11.02