ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)<br/> <br />President Barack Obama thanked Ireland on Friday (March 14) for its strong support of democracy in Ukraine during recent weeks of unrest.<br/> <br />"Ireland has been a strong voice in the European Council for the need to send a clear message of support for Ukrainian democracy and self-determination and a strong message to Russia that it should not violate the integrity and sovereignty of its neighbor," Obama said in the White House alongside Prime Minister Enda Kenny.<br/> <br />Obama said he and Kenny agreed that a diplomatic solution is the best option.<br/> <br />"The U.S. and E.U. stand united not only in its message about Ukrainian sovereignty but also there will be consequence if sovereignty continues to be violated," Obama said.
