Politics
6 Western nations demand Russia return two regions it took from neighboring Georgia 15 years ago
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Six Western nations marked the 15th anniversary of Russia’s takeover of 20% of Georgia’s territory by demanding on Thursday that Moscow return the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions. A joint statement by the six members of the U.N. Security Council — the United States, United Kingdom, France, Albania, Japan and Malta — said Russia’s invasion of Georgia in 2008 “marked a more aggressive trend” in its policy toward its neighbors, something being witnessed today in Ukraine. The statement, following closed council consultations on Georgia, said the six countries “are resolute” in reaffirming the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity “within its internationally recognized borders.” In August 2008, Russia fought a brief war with Georgia, which had made a botched attempt to regain control over the breakaway province of South Ossetia. Moscow then recognized the independence of South Ossetia and another breakaway Georgian province, Abkhazia, and set up military bases there. The statement, read by Albanian Ambassador Ferit Hoxha outside the Security Council surrounded by diplomats from the five other countries, condemned Russia’s “brutal invasion” and continued occupation of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and its “steps toward annexation of these Georgian regions.” The Western nations also reiterated their condemnation of Moscow for “continuous provocations which go in parallel with the Russian Federation’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine.” They pointed to Russia’s continued military drills in Georgia’s territory, sea and airspace as well as its erection of barbed wire fences and other barriers, its unlawful detentions and abductions of local people, discrimination against ethnic Georgians, and deliberate damage to Georgian cultural heritage. The six countries said the Russia-Georgia conflict should be resolved peacefully based on international law, including the U.N. Charter, which requires every country’s territorial integrity be recognized, “also noting the context of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.”
People’s Republic of China and Georgia publish joint statement on establishing strategic partnership
The Administration of the Georgian Government published a joint statement on the establishment of a strategic partnership between Georgia and China. As mentioned in the document, the partnership includes the following four dimensions: political; economic; people-to-people and cultural relations; international. “From July 26 to August 1, 2023, Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia, attended the opening ceremony of the 31st Chengdu FISU World University Games in China. During the visit, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Chengdu and Premier Li Qiang met with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Beijing. The two sides had in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest and reached broad consensus. The two sides decided to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. Both sides share the view that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on June 9, 1992, bilateral cooperation has witnessed fruitful results in various fields. In the context of profound and complex evolution of the international and regional situation, both sides share the commitment to expanding cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields, strengthening collaboration in international affairs, deepening bilateral relations, and safeguarding regional and world peace, stability and development together. 1. Political domain 1.1 The two sides reaffirm their respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries. Georgia firmly adheres to the one-China principle. 1.2 The two sides highlighted that given the current international order and economic globalization, the bilateral ties between China and Georgia have gained considerable importance. Both sides regard each other as an important strategic partner and thus regard the deepening of bilateral relations as a priority of their respective foreign policies. 1.3 Georgia believes that Chinese modernization offers a new path and a new option for mankind to achieve modernization. Both sides expressed their readiness to exchange experience in governance to achieve common development and prosperity. 1.4 The two sides are ready to strengthen high-level political consultations on issues of mutual interest and to enhance strategic mutual trust. 1.5 Both sides emphasized the necessity of expanding ties between central and local governments and political groups and parties to exchange experiences and strengthen interactions in various fields. 1.6 Considering the important role of cooperation between legislative bodies of both countries in the expansion and development of the bilateral ties, both sides emphasized the enhancement of exchanges and cooperation between the two countries’ legislative bodies in various fields and levels and communication and consultation in relevant regional and international organizations. 2. Economic domain 2.1 Both sides welcomed steady growth of bilateral trade in recent years and expressed readiness to further increase bilateral trade, optimize its structure, expand types of products and increase the export of Georgian goods and services to China. 2.2 Georgia welcomes the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China. The two sides have signed documents including the Bilateral Cooperation Plan between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Georgia under the Framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, to gain greater strengths and opportunities of cooperation. The two sides will strengthen policy coordination and synergy of development planning under the Belt and Road Initiative, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, uphold the principle of consultation and cooperation for shared benefits, and promote open, green and clean cooperation to realize goals of Belt and Road cooperation and promote sustainable development of both sides. 2.3 Both sides expressed readiness to facilitate mutual investment and trade and promote cooperation in the areas of transportation, communications, infrastructure modernization, development and strengthening of the Middle Corridor, digital technologies, manufacturing, upgrading and expansion of railway networks, agriculture and food safety, water resources, environment protection, fighting desertification, water desalination, conformity assessment, usage of Georgia’s transit infrastructure for smooth export of Chinese products to Western markets, the exchange of know-how and technology as well as human resource training. 2.4 The People’s Republic of China and Georgia have enjoyed a Free Trade Agreement since 2018, which played an important role in promoting economic and trade relations between the two countries. The two countries will continue to enhance their cooperation in the framework of the Agreement, support economic and commercial exchanges between the two countries’ institutions and companies based on mutual benefit, and actively explore the possibility of enriching the Agreement. 2.5 Both sides expressed their readiness for the next session of the China-Georgia Economic and Trade Cooperation Commission to enhance information sharing in trade, investment, infrastructure and other topics of cooperation within the scope of the Commission, so as to enhance the quality and efficiency of bilateral exchanges. 2.6 China welcomes Georgia’s active participation in the China International Import Expo. China supports Georgian enterprises in promoting their products via Chinese e-commerce channels. 2.7 Both sides expressed their readiness to intensify cooperation in tourism to promote common development of the sector. China welcomes Georgia to participate in travel exhibitions such as the annual China International Travel Mart. 2.8 China highlights the importance and supports the 4th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum themed “Connecting Today, Resilient Tomorrow”,which will take place in Tbilisi on October 26-27, 2023. 2.9 Georgia views cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries as a pragmatic, open and beneficial cross-regional cooperation platform. China welcomes Georgia’s interest in engaging in activities under the framework of this cooperative mechanism as an observer. 2.10 China will study the provisions of preferential loans for Georgia’s implementation of social and infrastructure projects. 3. People-to-People and Cultural domain 3.1 Given the need to deepen bilateral relations under the new conditions, both sides expressed readiness to actively conduct scientific and technological cooperation and renew the agreement on cooperation in the field of science and technology signed between the People’s Republic of China and Georgia in 1993. 3.2 In view of their friendly relations and huge potential of cooperation in the people-to-people and cultural fields, the two sides agreed to enhance their cultural cooperation. They will encourage citizens to visit each other’s countries and strengthen cooperation in tourism, health, youth, and sports. In addition, they will also enhance their exchanges in the areas of film, press and public diplomacy. 3.3 The two sides will study the possibility of mutually designating cultural years, and continue their consultations regarding mutual establishment of cultural center and provide necessary facilitation. 3.4 The two sides will enhance their cooperation in science and higher education. They will promote exchange of teachers and students, strengthen cooperation in science and commercialization of new technologies and implement joint projects. 3.5 The two sides support universities in both countries in carrying out practical cooperation such as joint training programs, and encourage universities to make full use of high-quality digital education resources and combine online and offline channels for cooperation. The two sides will promote student exchange and joint cultivation by making good use of government scholarships and other channels. 3.6 Both sides attach importance to language exchange and cooperation, encourage schools of both countries to carry out Chinese and Georgian languages teaching, stand ready to strengthen exchanges and training of language teachers and support the building of Confucius Institutes (Classrooms). 4. International domain 4.1 The two sides will strengthen coordination and collaboration in regional and international affairs, jointly uphold true multilateralism, firmly uphold the UN-centered international system, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and promote the establishment of a new type of international relations. 4.2 The two sides support the promotion of humanity’s common values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, respect all people’s independent choice of development path suited to their national conditions, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. 4.3 Georgia supports the Global Development Initiative proposed by China and is ready to actively participate in cooperation under the Initiative to accelerate implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 4.4 Georgia supports the Global Security Initiative proposed by China. The two sides would like to strengthen exchanges and cooperation under the Initiative’s framework, make joint effort for a peaceful and stable international security environment, and promote and protect common development of countries in the region. 4.5 Georgia supports the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China. The two sides will cooperate actively to implement this Initiative”, reads the statement.
Wondernet Express Investment Group has hosted the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Abdulla Aripov
Wondernet Express Investment Group had the honor of hosting the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan – Mr. Abdulla Aripov and the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia - Mr. Levan Davitashvili on July 18, 2023. The founder of the company – Mr. Dimitri Abduselishvili and the General Director & CEO – Mr. Mamuka Murjikneli introduced the Batumi Fertilizer Terminal and its working process to the guests of honor. Also, they discussed the importance of the logistics corridor and ways of its further development.
U.S. Mission on the 58th round of GID: The United States called upon the Russian Federation, to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions
The United States notes the conclusion of the 58th round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) on the Conflict in Georgia, which took place in Geneva on July 11–12th. The United States delegation, led by Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations Louis Bono, welcomed dialogue with participants seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Georgia. The United States called upon the Russian Federation, as a party to the conflict, to fulfill immediately its clear obligation under the EU-mediated August 12, 2008, ceasefire agreement to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, as well as to uphold its commitments to allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and not to impede the creation of international security arrangements on the ground. According to the statement, the occupation of 20 percent of Georgia’s territory by Russia’s forces undermines Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as does Russia’s ongoing borderization. The United States applauds Georgia’s long-held commitment not to use force to resolve the conflict. "The United States condemns, in the strongest possible terms, Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine, even as Russia continues to violate Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia is the only party to the conflict in Georgia that currently stations its forces on the territory of another sovereign state, in flagrant violation of international law and its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement. The United States regrets that, due to a walk-out by participants from Russia and the de facto authorities, the issues of Internally Displaced Persons and refugees, water, and gas could not be fully discussed. The United States welcomes the ongoing Ergneti Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), which defuses tensions and improves living conditions at the local level, and the United States hopes to see the resumption of the Gali IPRM. The United States notes the partial reopening of two crossing points on the administrative boundary line with the South Ossetia region of Georgia, and we continue the call for their full reopening, which would have a positive impact for communities in conflict-affected areas", - the statement reads.
German ambassador: We will deepen our co-operation with friendly countries like Georgia so that they can protect their security and sovereignty
Peter Fischer, the German ambassador to Georgia, commented with Europetime about the importance of the Vilnius Summit for Georgia and other close allies. „The summit will demonstrate NATO's strong unity to defend our territory and support the resilience of countries like Georgia. We welcome new members like Finland and, very soon, Sweden. We will establish an enhanced support structure for Ukraine. And we will deepen our co-operation with friendly countries like Georgia so that they can protect their security and sovereignty," the German ambassador told Europetime. On July 11–12, NATO Leaders will meet to address the most pressing challenges for the Alliance, further strengthen NATO's deterrence and defence and bring Ukraine closer to the Alliance. Previewing the Vilnius Summit at NATO Headquarters on Friday (7 July 2023), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the meeting of Allied leaders “will send a clear message: NATO stands united, and Russia’s aggression will not pay.” “I expect Allied leaders will agree a package with three elements, to bring Ukraine closer to NATO,” said Mr Stoltenberg. The package will include a multi-year programme of assistance to ensure interoperability; upgraded political ties – with President Zelenskyy attending the inaugural meeting of a new NATO-Ukraine Council; and a reaffirmation that Ukraine will become a member of NATO, with unity on how to bring Ukraine closer to its goal. Allies will also take major steps to strengthen deterrence and defence, with the adoption of three new regional defence plans to counter the two main threats to NATO: Russia and terrorism. The plans will be supported by 300,000 troops on higher readiness, including substantial air and naval combat power. Allies are also expected to endorse a Defence Production Action Plan to “aggregate demand, boost capacity, and increase interoperability” and a more ambitious defence investment pledge to invest a minimum of 2% of Gross Domestic Product annually on defence. The Secretary General welcomed that NATO’s new defence spending estimates, released today, show a real increase of 8.3% for European Allies and Canada in 2023. "This is the biggest increase in decades, and the ninth consecutive year of increases in our defence spending," said the Secretary General. "So European Allies and Canada will have invested over 450 billion extra US dollars since we agreed our defence investment pledge in 2014." The leaders of Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea, as well as the European Union, will also take part in the Vilnius Summit. This will be Finland’s first Summit as a NATO Ally, the Secretary General noted, adding: “we look forward to Sweden joining as soon as possible.” Following a constructive meeting of senior officials from Türkiye, Sweden and Finland on Thursday, Mr Stoltenberg will meet with President Erdogan and Prime Minister Kristersson in Vilnius on 10 July, as the next step. At the Vilnius Summit, the allies will reiterate support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the press conference in Brussels. „Well, our message has been for a long time – and was reiterated at a previous Summit – that we need to strengthen our partnership with partners that are vulnerable for Russian interference and under pressure. At the Summit, Allies will reiterate our support to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. Allies will also, I expect, reaffirm Georgia’s right to decide its own future and foreign policy, free from outside intervention.Therefore, we call on Russia to withdraw its forces it has in Georgia – without any consent from the Georgian government – and to end its recognition and militarisation, of course, and South Ossetia. And I think, also, we have to recognise, once again, the importance that Georgia plays in also strengthening the partnership between NATO and Georgia, and the commitment to Euro-Atlantic security. So we will address also other partners than Ukraine. Of course, Ukraine will be at the top of the agenda, because there’s a full-fledged war taking place in Ukraine, but we will also address the importance of strengthening our partnership with a country like Georgia.“
Vilnius Summit Communiqué
NATO Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Vilnius have published Vilnius Summit Communiqué, reiterating the 2008 Bucharest Summit decision that “Georgia will become a member of the Alliance with the Membership Action Plan (MAP) as an integral part of the process; we reaffirm all elements of that decision, as well as subsequent decisions.” According to the Communiqué, “to advance its Euro-Atlantic aspirations, Georgia must make progress on reforms, including key democratic reforms, and make best use of the ANP.““We reiterate our support to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. “We stand firm in our support for Georgia’s right to decide its own future and foreign policy course free from outside interference. We call on Russia to withdraw the forces it has stationed in Georgia without its consent. We further call on Russia to reverse its recognition of the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions of Georgia; to end the militarisation of these regions and continued attempts to forcibly separate them from the rest of Georgia through the construction of border-like obstacles; and to cease the human rights violations and abuses, including arbitrary detentions, and harassments of Georgian citizens. We highly appreciate Georgia’s substantial contributions to NATO operations, which demonstrate its commitment and capability to contribute to Euro-Atlantic security. We remain committed to making full use of the NATO-Georgia Commission and the Annual National Programme (ANP) in deepening political dialogue and practical cooperation with Georgia. We reiterate the decision made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit that Georgia will become a member of the Alliance with the Membership Action Plan (MAP) as an integral part of the process; we reaffirm all elements of that decision, as well as subsequent decisions. We welcome the progress made in implementing the enhanced Substantial NATO-Georgia Package, including Crisis Management, Cyber Security, Military Engineering, and Secure Communications, as well as new initiatives in the areas of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defence and Training Facilities. To advance its Euro-Atlantic aspirations, Georgia must make progress on reforms, including key democratic reforms, and make best use of the ANP.” According to the Vilnius Summit Communique, Russia bears full responsibility for its unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, which is a blatant violation of international law and the basic principles of the UN Charter. "Russia bears full responsibility for its illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, which has gravely undermined Euro-Atlantic and global security and for which it must be held fully accountable. We continue to condemn in the strongest terms Russia's blatant violations of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and OSCE commitments and principles. We do not and will never recognize Russia's illegal and illegitimate annexations, including Crimea," the document reads. NATO leaders stressed that there can be no impunity for Russian war crimes and other atrocities, such as attacks against civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure that deprives millions of Ukrainians of basic human services. All those responsible must be held accountable for violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law, particularly against Ukraine’s civilian population, including the forced deportation of children and conflict-related sexual violence. "The destruction of the Kakhovka dam highlights the brutal consequences of the war started by Russia. Russia's war has had a profound impact on the environment, nuclear safety, energy and food security, the global economy, and the welfare of billions of people around the world. Allies are working to enable exports of Ukrainian grain and actively support international efforts to alleviate the global food crisis," the communique reads. A two-day NATO summit began in Vilnius on Tuesday, July 11. The main topics on the agenda are the strengthening of the Alliance's deterrence and defense system, continued assistance to Ukraine, as well as the issue of bringing Ukraine closer to NATO membership.
Georgian MFA expresses "deep concern" over Zelenskyy’s decision
The Georgian Foreign Ministry expresses “deep concern” at the Ukrainian authorities’ decision to demand that the Georgian ambassador leave within 48 hours for consultations in the capital. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia reacted to the earlier statement of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which he asked the Georgian authorities to transfer Mikheil Saakashvili to Ukraine and ordered the summoning of the Georgian Ambassador to Ukraine. The MFA says: “This action represents an extreme form of escalation of diplomatic relations” and says it is “regrettable” that official Kyiv is taking this step “against a friendly state and people”. The Foreign Ministry’s statement reads reads that “the reasons given by the Ukrainian authorities make this decision particularly incomprehensible”, citing the Strasbourg court ruling which “put an end to speculation about the health of the convicted Mikheil Saakashvili” and “confirmed the highest standards of protection of Mikheil Saakashvili’s rights by the state”. “Against the background of such developments, the decision of the Ukrainian authorities significantly harms the strategic relations of the two countries and constitutes a direct interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state,” the statement says, expressing the hope that official Kyiv “will reconsider its decision and make efforts to further develop the historically friendly relations between the two countries”. Recalling Georgia’s support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and its people, both bilaterally and in the international arena, the MFA notes that Georgia’s diplomatic mission in Ukraine has continued to function even in the most difficult moments, during the ongoing war. The Foreign Ministry says that the Georgian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine has already conveyed Tbilisi’s official position to the Ukrainian side during the meeting held today in Kyiv at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. The statement reads that “Georgia at this stage refrains from any additional reaction in response to the steps taken by Ukraine”. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday called on the Georgian authorities to hand over Saakashvili to Ukraine for the “necessary treatment and care” and instructed the Ukrainian foreign office to summon the Georgian Ambassador to Ukraine, to “express our strong protest” and to ask him to leave Ukraine within 48 hours to hold consultations with his capital.
Zelensky asks Georgian envoy to leave Kyiv over jailed ex-president
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday asked the Georgian ambassador to Kyiv to leave Ukraine within 48 hours and return to Tbilisi for consultations relating to Mikheil Saakashvili. The court appearance led Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to call for the immediate release of Saakashvili, who is also a Ukrainian citizen. "Right now, Russia is killing Ukrainian citizen Mykhailo Saakashvili at the hands of the Georgian authorities," writes Zelensky on Twitter. "We have repeatedly called on the official Tbilisi to stop this abuse and agree on Saakashvili's return to Ukraine. Our partners, in coordination with Ukraine, have also offered various rescue options. Today, I have instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the Georgian Ambassador to Ukraine, to express our strong protest and to ask him to leave Ukraine within 48 hours to hold consultations with his capital. Once again, I call on the Georgian authorities to hand over Ukrainian citizen Mykhailo Saakashvili to Ukraine for the necessary treatment and care. And I urge our partners to address this situation and not ignore it and save this man. No government in Europe has the right to execute people, life is a basic European value," Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted. “You should apologize to the MEPs, to my family, to me, to the state of Ukraine, whose citizen you brought to this condition, and to all Georgians, for putting the founder of the Georgian state in this state, Papuashvili, look at me carefully!“ - the former president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, said during his remote participation in the court session.While making the said statement, he stood up and demonstrated his physical condition. According to him, all those who betrayed Georgia and Ukraine should be subjected to the strictest sanctions. Saakashvili, who was Georgia’s president from 2004 to 2013, is serving a six-year sentence for abuse of power, a charge that he and his supporters say was politically motivated. He is currently on trial on separate charges of violently dispersing an antigovernment rally in November 2007 and illegal border crossing.
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe says Russia must abide by the rulings rendered by the European Court of Human Rights in the case of "Georgia v. Russia
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe has stated that Russia must abide by the rulings rendered in the "Georgia v. Russia" case by the European Court of Human Rights. She also spoke about the Russia-Ukraine war and noted that Russia's illegal aggression against Ukraine is the result of its separation from the values of the Council of Europe. "It is because of this that Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe, and it is because of this that we are doing everything we can to support Ukraine," said Marija Pejčinović Burić. „Allow me to speak a few words about the important issue of the implementation of the decision of the European Court of Human Rights in the interstate case of "Georgia v. Russia". These decisions will continue to be discussed in the Committee of Ministers, and the Russian Federation remains obliged to implementing them. Due to non-payment of the amount imposed by the court in connection with the lawsuit against Russia, the fine continues to increase and currently exceeds 10 million euros. There is also a second judgment that begins with an execution, Georgia v. Russia. I can assure you that we will continue to work diligently. According to the international law, Russia is obliged to implement the decisions, we will insist on this at every meeting where this case is discussed," Marija Pejčinović Burić. According to her, the cooperation between the Council of Europe and Georgia is strong. "Our current action plan, which ends at the end of this year, has supported your government in making progress on many reforms, such as the fight against corruption, the reform of the judiciary, media legislation, the fight against violence against women and the sexual exploitation of children. A new action plan for the next period 2024-2027 is being developed and I hope it will be finished soon, so I can assure you that the Council of Europe will faithfully advise you to continue supporting these reforms, which are also an instrument in your pursuit of the EU. The Council of Europe also remains unwavering towards the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. We will continue to promote the restoration of trust. We will continue to promote confidence-building measures aimed at building bridges between population groups and strengthening human rights protection in conflict-affected regions. We will also continue to fight for access to the Georgian region, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. According to her, the Council of Europe supports Georgia on its reform path. She expressed hope that the future action plan will be stronger than the current one, because "the need is greater, the ambitions are greater". "We are here to work with you on this," noted Marija Pejčinović Burić. „This is my second visit to Georgia. I'm looking forward to having a very rich program during my visit, including visiting the occupation line, because it's very important to visit those people, because given the diligent work of the report on Georgia every year, I think it's important to visit the people who directly experience it. Let me start by expressing my gratitude to the Government of Georgia for inviting me to the country," said Marija Peičinović Burić. Some background According to Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the President and key ministers during an official visit to Georgia. Meeting Georgian President Salomé Zourabichvili, the Secretary General reaffirmed the Council of Europe’s full support to the ongoing reform process, highlighting the strategic value of co-operation to defend values of democracy, rule of law, and human rights in a period in which we witness democratic backsliding across Europe. The exchange also focused on the Secretary General consolidated report on the conflict in Georgia and support the broader reconciliation process through the Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs). Marija Pejčinović Burić will discuss the implementation of the conclusions of the Fourth Summit of the Heads of State and Government with the Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, key Ministers, and the Parliament Chairman. The elaboration of the new Action Plan 2024-2027, which contributes to the country’s aspirations for EU integration, will also been raised. “The co-operation between Georgia and the Council of Europe is strong. Our current Action Plan which ends in 2023 has supported Georgia in advancing many reforms in key areas, such as the fight against corruption, the reform of the judiciary, media legislation, the fight against violence against women and sexual exploitation of children”, emphasised the Secretary General, during a press briefing with the Foreign Minister. According to the Council of Europe the Secretary General will visit the “administrative line“ and participate in the Second Annual Tbilisi Women’s International conference.
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights visits Georgia
Dunja Mijatović, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, is on a working visit to Georgia. She has already met Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. Mijatovi took part in the Tbilisi Women's International Conference as one of the invited speakers. Additionally, she is anticipated to open Tbilisi Pride Week, which runs from July 1 to July 8. Irakli Garibashvili, the prime minister, and Dunja Mijatovi met on July 1. According to a news release from the government's administration, they talked about the actions done by the Georgian government to improve national structures for defending human rights. During the meeting, PM Garibashvili highlighted Georgia’s commitment to fundamental human rights and freedoms, as guaranteed by the Constitution. The official release mentioned that the Parliament of Georgia recently adopted the 2022-2030 National Strategy for the Protection of Human Rights in Georgia, which addresses national needs and challenges while incorporating international human rights standards and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. According to the release, the PM told the guest that said the Government’s main priority is to ensure a healthy environment for all citizens, and spoke about significant reforms implemented to this end. He highlighted the progress made in human rights protection since 2012, and the effectiveness of the Human Rights Council’s work was also emphasized. The head of government also addressed the challenging humanitarian and human rights situation in the occupied regions of Georgia. The PM expressed gratitude to Mijatović for supporting Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to a peaceful policy for conflict resolution.
EU Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan to arrive in Georgia today
The EU Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan, will arrive in Tbilisi today, on 26 June, for a two-day visit to discuss with the Georgian authorities issues of common interest, notably sanctions and their effective implementation, EU Delegation to Georgia reports. According to them, the objective of this visit is to open a direct channel of communication and establish a cooperative dialogue for the future. „The Georgian authorities have been very forthcoming on issues of particular importance for the Envoy’s visit and we look forward to continuing our close cooperation. During the visit, (from tomorrow) meetings will be held with Prime Minister Garibashvili, Foreign Minister Darchiashvili, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Davitashvili, Minister of Finance Khutsishvili, Acting Governor of the National Bank Mestvirishvili and Prosecutor General Shotadze. David O’Sullivan will also be meeting representatives of the business community. A press point with Mr O’Sullivan will be held during the visit – the venue and time will be communicated additionally. This will be a joint visit with Ambassador James O’Brien, Head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination, US Department of State and Mr Kumar Iyer, Director General, Economics, Science and Technology at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), UK Government," reads the statement
President pardons Nika Gvaramia
The President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, signed the act of pardoning Nika Gvaramia, the general director of Mtavari TV. The President announced the mentioned decision a few minutes ago at a briefing. According to the President, she is not going to make an explanation about the decision, because the pardon is her discretionary right. "Today I signed the act of pardoning Nikoloz Gvaramia. I made this decision after all legal steps were exhausted on June 19, when the Supreme Court did not accept the lawsuit. I am not going to make any explanation about this decision, because it is my discretionary right, which I use today," said Salome Zurabishvili. For information, the founder of Mtavari TV Nika Gvaramia, who was found guilty by the court, was arrested on May 16, right in the court session hall. The judge of the Tbilisi City Court, Lasha Chkhikvadze, found Nika Gvaramia partially guilty, reclassified part of the charges brought against him under Article 220, and sentenced him to 3 years and 6 months. As a reminder, on September 6, 2020, the General Prosecutor's Office indicted Nika Gvaramia in the Rustavi 2 case. Nika Gvaramia was accused of embezzlement of a large amount of property rights belonging to Rustavi 2 by the group with a prior agreement, commercial bribery, forging of fake official documents, and legalization of illegal income. Nika Gvaramia is also accused of abuse of official authority. Gvaramia was given a bail of 40,000 GEL as a preventive measure. In addition, he had limited right to leave the country.
EU Sanctions Envoy David O'Sullivan will arrive in Georgia on June 26–28
EU Sanctions Envoy David O'Sullivan will visit Georgia on June 26–28. A Commission spokesperson told Europetime about this. David O'Sullivan discusses the EU's work on sanctions implementation and measures against sanction circumvention. In March, David O'Sullivan, the European Union's special envoy for the implementation of sanctions, called on Kazakhstan and other Central Asian nations in Moscow’s political and economic sphere to avoid assisting Moscow's attempts to evade sanctions imposed on Russia. David O'Sullivan is a long-serving EU diplomat and EU Ambassador to the United States in 2014-2019. Since the start of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, the EU and the United States have sanctioned thousands of entities and individuals, while the U.S. Commerce Department has imposed prohibitive controls on exports to Russia and its ally Belarus.
Governor Kemp to Visit Georgia
On Tuesday, June 13, Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp will lead a delegation of state officials on an international mission, beginning in the Country of Georgia capital of Tbilisi and ending in Paris, France. This visit marks the first time a sitting U.S. governor has visited the Country of Georgia, as Governor Kemp demonstrates the state’s commitment to this ally in the face of territorial aggression from neighboring Russia. The overall mission will focus on reinforcing strategic partnerships while promoting economic development opportunities with industries in Europe. “I’m looking forward to visiting the brave National Guardsmen stationed in the Country of Georgia as we meet with officials in that country to reinforce our commitment to our partnership with their military,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “That partnership has endured for over 28 years, as we remain a friend and ally to freedom-loving people around the world. I’m also eager to promote our No. 1 state for business to the job creators and major industry leaders we’ll meet during this busy trip. In all of the back-to-back conversations, we’ll be able to share why Georgia is the best state in which to invest and bring opportunity.” The first leg of the foreign mission will include meetings with Country of Georgia Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Rian Harris, and Minister of Defence Juansher Burchuladze, among other dignitaries. While in the Country of Georgia, the state delegation will consist of Major General Tom Carden of the Georgia National Guard and Department of Defense, as well as representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). Governor Kemp and the delegation will conduct bilateral meetings with national officials, visit a humanitarian shelter built in partnership with the State of Georgia’s National Guard, meet with members of the Marietta Fire Department currently leading swift water rescue training exercises, and hold other meetings designed to strengthen the relationship between the state and the country. “This historic visit reinforces the importance of the National Guard’s State Partnership Program,” said Major General Tom Carden, Adjutant General of the Georgia Department of Defense. “Our teammates from the Country of Georgia have fought shoulder to shoulder with us since 9/11. We are very excited about taking our partnership to the next level under Governor Kemp’s leadership.” Governor Kemp and representatives from GDEcD will continue the mission with a second leg in Paris, France, to participate in the Paris Air Show. The delegation will meet with aerospace industry companies who have already invested in or are considering investing in the state. Through a packed schedule, the delegation will promote all the assets that set Georgia apart as the No. 1 state for business nine times over. “Connectivity leads to business, and it starts with building relationships,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Missions reinforce these relationships and create new ones, opening the door for new opportunities. Georgia is a global logistics hub, with a diverse economy of global exporters. Leveraging our position in the international community bolsters our business ecosystems, drives trade, and fosters innovation.”
Council of Europe Summit creates register of damage for Ukraine as first step towards an international compensation mechanism for victims of Russian aggression
Council of Europe Summit creates register of damage for Ukraine as first step towards an international compensation mechanism for victims of Russian aggression Reykjavik, 17.05.2023 – This morning, Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland, Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland and President of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, and Denis Malyuska, Minister of Justice of Ukraine, announced the establishment of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation Against Ukraine through an Enlarged Partial Agreement. 43 countries and the European Union have joined or indicated their intention to join the Register set up by the participants to the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe held in Reykjavik on 16-17 May 2023. (*) “Support and solidarity with Ukraine is one of the main priorities of the Icelandic Presidency and we have worked hard to ensure that the outcome of the Reykjavik Summit addresses the need for comprehensive accountability for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” said Katrín Jakobsdóttir. She emphasised that “the Council of Europe can and should play an important role in ensuring accountability. The Register is an important step towards accountability for crimes committed in Russia’s brutal war and a strong message of support to Ukraine.” Marija Pejčinović Burić said : “The decision to set up the Register of Damage under the auspices of the Council of Europe is an historic decision”. She said : “It will support victims in recording their losses and is vital for any compensation mechanism. Supported by a very large coalition of member and non-member states, and by the EU, it is one of the first legally binding decisions to hold Russia accountable for its acts.” The European Union, represented by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has provided a substantial contribution towards the startup costs. The Register will have its seat in The Hague (the Netherlands), with a satellite office in Ukraine and Mark Rutte underlined that “Russia must be held accountable, including for damage suffered by Ukraine and its people. We are therefore proud that the seat of the Register of Damage will be in The Hague, the legal capital of the world”. The Register is established for an initial period of three years and will serve as a record of evidence and claims information on damage, loss or injury caused by the Russian aggression against Ukraine. It paves the way towards a future international comprehensive compensation mechanism for the victims of the Russian aggression. Denys Shmyhal said that “Ukraine welcomes the establishment of the Register of Damage. We are grateful to the Council of Europe and all the participating states for such a high level of support. We invite other states, from all corners of the world, to join the Register of Damage as a sign of support for the important issue of Russia's accountability for its war against Ukraine. The Register is an important milestone on the road to justice and reparations for Ukraine and the Ukrainians who have suffered so much from this war. The hard work begins now - we need to ensure that the Register becomes operational soon, so that victims of Russian aggression could submit their claims. We also emphasise that the establishment of the Register is only the first step towards the establishment of a comprehensive compensation mechanism that will ensure that Russia pays full reparations to Ukraine in accordance with international law, including by means of its internationally located assets. We look forward to working with our partners on this important issue.” See Resolution on the Enlarged Partial Agreement ----------------- (*) Forty countries have joined the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Register set up within the Council of Europe : Albania, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Republic of Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and United Kingdom; as well as Canada, Japan and the USA. The European Union has also joined, while three other countries (Andorra, Bulgaria and Switzerland) have expressed their intention to join.
Peter Stano: The EU regrets the decision by Georgia to resume flights to and from Russia, this decision by Georgian authorities raises concerns
The EU regrets the decision by Georgia to resume flights to and from Russia, - EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano said at the press briefing. According to him, the latest decision by Georgian authorities raises concerns in terms of Georgia's EU path. „We regret Georgia’s decision to resume flights with Russia following Russia’s decision to lift the air travel ban last week. Due to the illegal Russian war against Ukraine, the EU and a number of other countries have sanctioned the Russian aviation, and do not allow flights from, to or over Russia. This step raises concerns in terms of Georgia’s EU path and its commitment to align with the EU in the foreign policy as per the EU-Georgia Association Agreement. Regrettably, Georgia’s alignment rate with EU CFSP decisions and declarations has gone from a low 44% last year to only 31% so far this year. Moreover, we recall that the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has raised significant concerns over the safety of Russian aircrafts“, - Peter Stano said. The EU membership is Georgia’s stated top foreign and security policy priority and more than 80% of the population support EU integration. Georgia is awaiting the EU decision on granting the EU candidate status at the end of the year. Georgia has Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and visa free travel with the EU. Also Read: EEAS Spokesperson says Georgia should not allow unsafe Russian aircrafts into its territory State Department: The people of Georgia would likely prefer the withdrawal of Russian troops rather than see direct flights restored or the visa regime changed State Department: We would be concerned if flights between Russia and Georgia resumed
Ambassador Degnan: Georgia does not have to rely and become dependent on Russia again
U.S. Ambassador Kelly Degnan responded to a question about Moscow’s decision to restore flights with Georgia and said that while it is not for the United States to say whether this will impact Georgia’s chances for the EU candidacy, “it does raise the question as to why Putin would give this to Georgia.” Ambassador Degnan noted that no one believes Putin cares about the convenience of Georgian travelers. Responding to the question on why in 2019 the U.S. Embassy had called for the restoration of air links with Russia, Ambassador Degnan said there is an important difference in the fact that Russia has invaded Ukraine in the meantime. „I would say an important difference between today and 2019 is the fact that Russia has invaded Ukraine. Again, Russia has destabilized the entire region with this unjustified, brutal war that is purely aimed at taking Ukrainian territory and trying to eliminate Ukraine’s identity. That is a significant change from before. Another important detail is that Georgia doesn’t rely on Russian tourism, and Russian business as much as it did in 2019. We saw after the ban was put into effect a surge in visitors from many other countries. Georgia does not have to rely and become dependent on Russia again. That is giving Russia dangerous leverage over your economy, and we have seen in many other countries how Russia will use that against your country when it wants to. Georgia does not need to fall into that trap again. On the sanctions, We need more information as to how the Georgian government is going to respond to this, what the details of these potential flights are going to be before we can establish whether there are export control or sanctions that apply to this situation, but I would imagine that there will be some“, - the US Ambassador to Georgia, Kelly Degnan said. Russia canceled the visa regime for Georgian citizens. The relevant decree was issued by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. According to Putin's decree, the visa regime will be abolished from May 15. Vladimir Putin also lifted the ban on flights to Georgia for Russian airlines. State Department: We would be concerned if flights between Russia and Georgia resumed
State Department: The people of Georgia would likely prefer the withdrawal of Russian troops rather than see direct flights restored or the visa regime changed
In response to Vladimir Putin’s decision to restore direct flights to Georgia and lift the visa policy for Georgian citizens, the US State Department said that instead of all this, the Georgian people “would probably prefer that Putin withdraw Russian troops from 20 percent of the Russian-occupied territory of Georgia” . „Many Western countries, including the U.S. prohibit, Russian aircraft from entering their airspace. If direct flights between Russia and Georgia resume, we of course would be concerned that companies at Georgian airports could be at risk for sanctions if they service aircraft subject to import and export controls. The entire Western community has distanced itself from the Russian regime, and now is not the time for any country to increase its engagement with Russia. The people of Georgia would likely prefer that President Putin withdraw Russian troops from the 20 percent of Georgian territory that Russia occupies, rather than see direct flights restored or the visa regime changed“, - the State Department said. Russia canceled the visa regime for Georgian citizens. The relevant decree was issued by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. According to Putin's decree, the visa regime will be abolished from May 15. Vladimir Putin also lifted the ban on flights to Georgia for Russian airlines. State Department: We would be concerned if flights between Russia and Georgia resumed
EEAS Spokesperson says Georgia should not allow unsafe Russian aircrafts into its territory
The EU encourages Georgia, aspiring to become EU candidate country, to align with the EU and other countries in their sanctions against Russia also in the aviation sector, and to remain vigilant regarding any possible attempt to circumvent them. Peter Stano, lead spokesperson for the foreign affairs and security policy of the European Union, said that due to the illegal Russian aggression against Ukraine, the EU and a number of other countries sanctioned Russian aviation and do not allow flights from, to, or over Russia. „We took note of the decision by the Russian authorities to lift the air travel ban with Georgia. Due to the illegal Russian aggression against Ukraine, the EU and a number of other countries sanctioned the Russian aviation, and does not allow flights from, to or over Russia. The EU encourages Georgia, aspiring to become EU candidate country, to align with the EU and other countries in their sanctions against Russia also in the aviation sector, and to remain vigilant regarding any possible attempt to circumvent them. Moreover, in light of the significant safety concerns notified to Russia by the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Georgia should not allow unsafe Russian aircrafts into its territory. Due to EU sanctions, 95% of the Russian airplane fleet is not able to update and upgrade their airplanes, which is essential to maintain the necessary international technical and safety standards“, - Peter Stano said.
The United States and Georgia mutually decided to focus resources on in-country, multi-national exercises, the U.S. embassy says
The United States Embassy released a statement on military cooperation with Georgia in 2023. According to the statement, the United States remains committed to enhancing the U.S-Georgia strategic partnership, working together to make both Georgia and America safer and more secure. „In 2023 the United States and Georgia continue to do more across a broad range of cooperative military activities. This year, the United States and Georgia are jointly focused on maximizing beneficial training opportunities to enhance Georgia’s critical capabilities. As part of that effort, we mutually decided to focus resources on in-country, multi-national exercises – Agile Spirit and Noble Partner – and build on their previous success to most effectively strengthen Georgia’s interoperability and its capacity for resilience and defense," reads the statement.
