Politics
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.
NATO and Georgia strengthen scientific cooperation to tackle new security challenges
NATO and Georgia reaffirmed the importance of their long-standing scientific cooperation at an Information Day in Tbilisi on Wednesday (3 May 2023). The event was organized with support from Georgia’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Education and Science, and brought together over fifty participants from public and not-for profit research institutions. The event highlighted recent activities carried out through NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, including research on resilience and the protection of infrastructure from geological hazards and underground explosions. "We are glad to showcase the SPS Programme in Tbilisi. I hope that this Information Day will enable greater participation of Georgia in research activities relevant to our shared security challenges and priorities," said James Appathurai, NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges. Georgian scientists have been engaged with NATO’s Science for Peace and Security Programme since 1994 on a broad range of themes, including environmental and energy security; counter-terrorism; cyber defence; defence against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents; and Women, Peace and Security. Through the recent launch of a new call for proposals, the SPS Programme is providing an opportunity for scientists in Georgia, as well as other NATO partner countries, to develop innovative security-related scientific initiatives in cooperation with their counterparts from NATO countries.
Secretary General: Georgia is one of NATO’s closest partners
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili at NATO Headquarters on Tuesday (25 April 2023) for talks about strengthening the NATO-Georgia partnership. Calling Georgia “one of NATO’s closest partners”, the Secretary General stressed that “Allies fully support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He further noted that Georgia “can count on NATO’s continued political and practical support. In turn, I count on Georgia to redouble efforts on domestic reforms, and uphold democratic standards.” Speaking about Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Mr Stoltenberg warned: “We do not know when the war will end. But we know that Russian aggression is a toxic pattern that must be stopped once and for all.” He added: “Ukraine is upholding its right to self-defence under the UN Charter, and we expect all NATO partners to support this aim.”
State Department: The United States supports Anaklia deep water port development, done in a way that is in the best interests of Georgia
According to a State Department spokesperson, the United States supports Anaklia deep water port development, done in a way that is in the best interests of Georgia, and that protects Georgia’s critical infrastructure. Port development has the potential to provide a significant contribution to Georgia’s economy and orientation to the Black Sea, - a State Department spokesperson told Europetime. Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili revealed on 12 December that the long-awaited deep sea port of Anaklia will be built with the government’s participation, which will subsequently own 51% of it. The Prime Minister noted that an international competition will be announced to select the partners and companies which will participate in the project. „we strongly support the development of the Anaklia deep water port, which is critical infrastructure for Georgia to develop. It would be a huge contribution as Georgia develops its role in the Middle Corridor, to bring goods from Central Asia to Europe. Development of the port would also bring jobs to Georgia and the region. We hope to see the Government of Georgia move forward to tender the project and select a qualified developer through a transparent and competitive process“, - US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan told Europetime. In addition, NATO welcomes the development of infrastructure of strategic importance, such as the port facilities on the Black Sea coast. „We welcome all steps undertaken by the Georgian authorities to promote its economic development and security. According to a NATO official speaking to Europetime, this includes the development of infrastructure of strategic importance, such as the port facilities on the Black Sea coast. "The Anaklia Deep Sea Port is a great opportunity," said Philip Reeker, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, during a visit to Georgia in June 2021. Senator Rob Portman also stressed that it is extremely important that more countries invest in Georgia. „We should encourage more direct investment in Georgia. One would be infrastructure, specifically a particular port project, which is a huge opportunity for infrastructure investment. But also, there are so many other opportunities in agriculture and other commodities, including mining, including manufacturing,"-Senator Rob Portman said in an exclusive comment with Europetime. The construction of what should have been the country’s first deep sea port began in the village of Anaklia close to the de facto boundary with Georgia’s breakaway Abkhazia region in 2017. While the government previously was ready to invest $100 million, control was to be held by private investors.The Georgian government canceled the $2.5 billion contract with Anaklia Development Consortium, the main contractor, in early 2020, alleging it had failed to attract sufficient investments while placing heavy and unrealistic demands on the state to underwrite huge loans from international financial institutions.
State Department: The United States stands with the government and people of Georgia in their efforts to advance transparency, fight corruption, and further democratic governance
According to a State Department spokesperson, the 7031c actions send a strong signal that the United States stands with the government and people of Georgia in their efforts to advance transparency, fight corruption, and further democratic governance. As a general matter, we do not comment on pending litigation. The 7031c actions send a strong signal that the United States stands with the government and people of Georgia in their efforts to advance transparency, fight corruption, and further democratic governance. We are committed to helping Georgia realize its full economic and democratic potential on its path to Euro Atlantic integration, by tackling endemic corruption and fostering an impartial and independent judiciary“, - a State Department spokesperson told Europetime. Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Shengelia, and Valerian Tsertsvadze under Section 7031(c) visa restriction authorities, due to their involvement in significant corruption. Section 7031(c) provides that officials of foreign governments about whom the Secretary of State has credible information of involvement in significant corruption or a gross violation of human rights and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States. The law also requires the Secretary of State to publicly or privately designate such officials and their immediate family members. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has released a statement on public designations of Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Shengelia and Valerian Tsertsvadze. According to the statement, the above individuals abused their positions. “Today, the U.S. Department of State is publicly designating Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Shengelia, and Valerian Tsertsvadze under Section 7031(c) visa restriction authorities, due to their involvement in significant corruption. These individuals abused their positions as court Chairmen and members of Georgia’s High Council of Justice, undermining the rule of law and the public’s faith in Georgia’s judicial system. The United States continues to stand with all Georgians in support of democracy and the rule of law and will continue to promote accountability for those who abuse public power for personal gain. We stand with all judges who have the integrity and courage to act impartially and independently. Officials designated under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023 (Div. K, P.L. 117-328) (“Section 7031(c)”) and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States”, reads the statement.
State Department on the designation of judge: These persons have been involved in significant corruption - we have very reliable information
We have reliable information, including from open sources, that these judges have been involved in significant corruption, US State Department Deputy Spokesman Vedant Patel stated at a briefing. „First, from the very beginning, the American people have stood in solidarity with the people of Georgia and their desire to be a free and sovereign country within its internationally recognized borders. And over the last 30 years, we have become strategic partners working toward our shared vision of Georgia – fully integrated into the Euro-Atlantic family of nations and part of Europe, whole, free, and at peace. Specifically, on the designations that we announced yesterday, we have credible information that these individuals were involved in significant corruption related to their current and former judicial positions. This corruption undermined the rule of law in Georgia. It undermined Georgia’s democratic processes. It damaged the public’s faith in Georgia’s democratic institutions and officials. As we’ve previously said, information is gathered from a variety of sources, including open source, and we have very credible information to believe that there was significant involvement in this corruption“, Said Vedant Patel. The U.S. will continue to have a number of tools at its disposal to hold these kinds of individuals accountable.
FM Ilia Darchiashvili addresses Antony Blinken with a letter
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili, addresses the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken with a letter. Ilia Darchiashvili points out, that the decision of the US State Department on sanctioning judges, which was made public without presenting any evidence, is completely incomprehensible and unacceptable. "On behalf of the Georgian people and the Government of Georgia, we confirm our deep respect and commitment to the strategic partnership between Georgia and the United States of America. As we learned, the US State Department made a decision regarding the sanctioning of three active and one former judge of the independent Georgian judicial system. First of all, I would like to remind you of the most difficult legacy that Georgian Dream had to face in the judicial system in 2012, when it came to power. The reality was the worst: the court was turned into a division of the prosecutor's office and another link in the repressive machine of the authoritarian regime, the rate of guilty verdicts exceeded 99 percent, 300,000 citizens were tried, elite corruption included both the court and other areas, the government committed systemic crimes. Under the conditions of an unjust and repressive judicial system, the number of prisoners reached 25 thousand in prisons, where the systematic practice of torture and inhuman treatment of prisoners was introduced. As a result, the death rate of prisoners was unprecedentedly high. After Georgian Dream came to power, the number of prisoners decreased by 2.5 times, and the death rate decreased by 10 times. In addition, after Georgian Dream came to power, the rate of pre-trial detention by the courts decreased three times, the rate of administrative detention decreased three times, the rate of approval of requests for investigative actions was halved, the rate of bail decreased twenty times, the rate of fines decreased five times, etc. Under the conditions of the previous government and its judicial system, the Georgian people could not find justice in Georgia and were forced to turn to the European Court of Human Rights. In 2004-2012, 5416 complaints of Georgian citizens were submitted to the Strasbourg court. For comparison, in 2013-2022, this figure was only 1132. In 2009-2012, the European Court considered about 4,000 complaints filed against Georgia. According to the data of 2023, only 147 complaints filed against Georgia are considered in the Strasbourg Court, which is the best indicator of Georgia during its membership in the Council of Europe. It should be noted that during the period of the previous government, the main creators and architects of the court's criminal system - Mikheil Saakashvili and Zurab Adeishvili were not sanctioned by any country, and moreover, unfortunately, they enjoyed specific guarantees of inviolability or still enjoy it. The sharp decrease in appeals in the Strasbourg court, as well as the above statistics, is a clear proof that the systemic problems in the judicial system have been eliminated after 2012, which is the result of the relevant political will and the four waves of fundamental judicial reform carried out by the Georgian Dream government. Citizens of Georgia can effectively protect their rights within the country today. The justice system has become effective and today it provides an effective opportunity to protect rights. The government has repeatedly appealed to critics of Georgia's current judicial system to present specific court cases that, in their opinion, were decided unfairly. However, critics have so far failed to present any such case. A clear example of the bias of critics of the judicial system is the decision of the Strasbourg court regarding the case of "Rustavi 2" TV station. The decision proves that, on the contrary, pressure was exerted on the court by Nika Gvaramia, the general director of "Rustavi 2" at that time. In the decision, it is mentioned that "groundless media attacks made by the General Director of Rustavi 2" against the judge of the case can be considered as an inappropriate attempt to influence the judge's decision, and the said attacks, in general, can contribute to undermining the authority of the judiciary." We would like to remind you that representatives of opposition parties and non-governmental organizations, media outlets owned by the opposition, former president, former public defender, as well as individual representatives of the diplomatic corps were actively involved in the attempt to damage the reputation of the court in connection with the "Rustavi 2" case. The Georgian court is perceived by the population and international studies as one of the most advanced. According to the "IPSOS FRANCE" survey ("Assessment of Judicial Reforms in Georgia"), 55% of the population of Georgia think that the court is fair, 52% think that the court is reliable and 51% think that the court is independent. As a result of the government's ten-year work and reforms, Georgia ranks high in international rankings. In the 2022 index of the rule of law of the "World Justice Project", Georgia ranks first in the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. According to the Corruption Perceptions Index of 2022, Georgia is the leader in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, for the first time in the history of the index, it is in the top 20 in Europe and ahead of 11 EU member states. At the same time, work on judicial reform continues with the Venice Commission to further strengthen the independence and transparency of the judiciary and to make the legislation even more complete. Therefore, taking into account this reality, the decision of the US State Department to sanction judges, which was made public without presenting any evidence, is completely incomprehensible and unacceptable. We hope that the State Department will provide relevant evidence or reconsider its decision. Otherwise, the state of Georgia and the Georgian people perceive this as pressure on the independent court of the sovereign state and gross interference in its activities, which will damage the long-term friendly relations between Georgia and the USA," the Minister wrote.
