49 NGOs Address North Atlantic Council over Georgia’s NATO Membership

Georgia-based 49 non-governmental organizations have sent a joint address to the North Atlantic Council asking to consider a political breakthrough toward Georgia’s NATO membership on the upcoming NATO Summit in Brussels. 

“It is clear, proven and firm will of the Georgian nation to become a NATO member. Support for Georgia’s NATO membership in the country is overwhelmingly high and even exceeds the rating of all main political parties combined,” the statement reads.

The civil sector says NATO membership is seen as an integral part of the effort of our people to build a free, democratic state that is part of the Euro Atlantic Community of Nations, adding Georgia has maintained this political course through difficult times.

The NGOs say that despite the fact that Georgia still has much more work to do in building a modern, democratic, and prosperous nation and still faces challenges, Georgian citizens proved their dedication to the democratic transformation and modernization of the country. Their readiness to ensure that Georgia is a responsible member and contributor to international security has been demonstrated by Georgia’s significant participation in NATO-led peace operations.

“We firmly believe that Georgia’s NATO membership will strengthen security and stability of entire Europe as well as will provide major boost to Georgia’s development… We also strongly believe that Georgia’s NATO membership will positively affect Georgia’s democratic and economic development,” the address reads.

The NGOs remind the North Atlantic Council that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Georgia has all practical tools necessary for the membership.

“Georgia needs political decision that would bring clarity about the path to the membership now. We unswervingly believe that this clarity is in interests of Euro Atlantic community as well,” the statement reads.

The organizations underline that Georgia’s NATO membership is the next bold step towards a great vision of a whole Europe, free and at peace.

By Thea Morrison