MEP McAllister: Georgia Is Leading among Caucasus, Eastern Partnership Countries
David McAllister, the Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) stated that Georgia is the leading country not only in the South Caucasus region but also in the Eastern Partnership at a press-conference in Tbilisi.
The AFET Delegation visited Tbilisi on May 24 and included representatives of various political groups: the European People's Party, the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, the European United Left - Nordic Green Left and the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance. McAllister noted that the reforms, implemented in Georgia, are very important. However, he stressed that more intensive reforms in the fields of human rights protection and judiciary are necessary.
"We urge Georgia to further strengthen its efforts to carry out reforms in the areas like judiciary, protection of minorities’ and human rights etc. Of course, these reforms are underway, but more needs to be done," said McAllister.
The MEP noted that in order to reach such a balance, a properly functioninge State Audit Office and Public Defender’s office are imperative. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of freedom of the media and mentioned the court dispute over the opposition-minded Rustavi2 TV case.
"In order to create a stronger democratic country, it is essential that the government encourage pluralism and independence of the media," David McAllister said. The AFET Chair said that the European Union and Parliament supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders and this position is “unwavering.”
He also approved the government's actions aimed at establishing a constructive and pragmatic relationship with Russia. Additionally, as part of the visit, Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze held a meeting with members of the European Parliament.
Georgia-EU co-operation issues and the democratic reforms implemented by Georgia were the key issues of the meeting. It was emphasized that Georgia responsibly fulfils its commitments under the Association Agreement (AA). Also noted was that the country has made considerable progress in the implementation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA).
The current situation in Georgia’s occupied territories and the European Union’s role in ensuring security on the ground were also discussed by the officials. Members of the European Parliament congratulated Georgia on the launch of visa-free travel with the EU/Schengen area. They went on to emphasize the necessity of ensuring tangible results in the process of rapprochement with the European Union. Special attention was paid to the preparation of the fifth summit of Eastern Partnership scheduled to be held in Brussels on November 24.
Representatives exchanged views over Georgia’s expectations with respect to the Summit. Mikheil Janelidze thanked the MEPs for the European Union’s firm support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The Georgian Foreign Minister says that the meeting with the AFET delegation was very important for Georgia.
"It was a very important meeting, because it is a committee that determines so many issues in relation to Georgia. We had strong support of the committee in the process of visa liberalization and we have their strong support for our European integration," said the minister.
Thea Morrison