Interview
Natalia Voutova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Georgia: Further electoral reform is in the main direction that Georgia needs to undertake
The appointment of Supreme Court judges and the electoral reform were the topic of the Europetime interview with Natalia Voutova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Georgia. With 25 years of experience working for the Council of Europe and OSCE, she has focused on human rights and legal reforms projects in Armenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. Natalia Voutova also worked for Médecins sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders) in Chechnya. She was the Head of the Office to Yerevan (2015-2020), Deputy Head of the CoE Office in Ukraine between 2007 and 2009, and before that the Special Representative of the CoE Secretary-General to Armenia (2002-2004). _Supporting the Criminal Justice Reforms - Tackling Criminal Aspects of the Judicial Reforms in Georgia` project runs from 1 January 2019 until 31 December 2021, what challenges highlighted the project and what was the main progress? This project aims at supporting the Georgian stakeholders in the reforms of the criminal procedure and strengthening the capacity of national courts to effectively exercise judicial control over the application of coercive measures by the prosecution and law enforcement agencies. Moreover, the Project works towards the improvement of analytical and methodological capacities of the justice sector stakeholders to assess the criminal justice’s performance and develop evidence-based criminal policy. In addition, the Project assists in improving international cooperation in criminal matters. Despite the capacity building conducted with the legal professionals, the general picture of the application of preventive measures remains unchanged. According to the statistics published on the website of the Supreme Court of Georgia, the percentage breakdown of the types of preventive measures applied in 2019 and in 2020 is almost identical. In particular, bail and detention are the types of preventive measures that are mainly applied, other measures are as a rule rarely used. In order to identify and take stock of the shortcomings in the criminal procedure legislation, a group of international experts under the auspices of the Council of Europe prepared an opinion proposing further improvement of the procedural legislation. In 2019, the Venice Commission assessed positively the initiative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for reforming the Criminal Procedure Code in respect of separation of powers between prosecutors and investigators. However, there have been delays in the process. As reported by a number of NGOs, the current legal framework creates risks for ineffective investigative and prosecutorial activities. We hope the work in this regard will restart soon. _The Council of Europe is the continent's leading human rights organization. It includes 47 member states 27 of which are members of the European Union. All Council of Europe member states signed up to the European Convention on Human Rights, a treaty designed to protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. How would you assess the steps taken by Georgia as a member to strengthen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law? For example, in general, Democracy is in distress, finds the Council of Europe Secretary General’s annual report for 2021. Let me start from the end of this question, democracy is indeed in distress, but this is a global phenomenon and is a separate question altogether. Georgia is part of Europe and a member state of the Council of Europe; this means that we as partners stand together with the Georgian political parties, civil society, and the public at large to overcome these challenges. Compromises are possible and the challenge to democracy can be overcome when we all work together. As regards human rights, in recent years, one of the most positive steps towards improving the human rights framework was the adoption of the anti-discrimination law (the Law of Georgia on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination) in 2014. I should also mention the steps taken by Georgia to improve the conditions of detention in prison and inmates’ access to health care. The country also reduced the high prison population. However, further work needs to be done in this regard. In 2015 the country adopted a Juvenile Justice Code is tailoring the criminal justice system accordingly and introducing higher standards for juveniles in conflict with the law. The adoption of the Code of the Rights of the Child in 2019 and ratification of the Istanbul Convention in 2017 alongside a number of reforms for preventing and combating domestic violence in Georgia should be mentioned as well, although much remains to be done. There are two areas that constitute the foundation for democracy – the electoral and judicial systems. Electoral reform is an area that has been reformed for years. The last year’s constitutional reform, reducing the share of majoritarian MPs in the parliament, and reducing the electoral threshold to 1% was a step forward. _The Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR issued their urgent joint opinion on the draft amendments to the Electoral Code of Georgia. The document also points to a number of progress and recommendations, including the appointment of Supreme Court judges. What progress and shortcomings can we talk about based on these and other documents and how do you view the recommendations implemented by Georgia in this regard? Regarding the amendments to the Electoral Code, as you may know, the Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR have received a new request following the signature of the EU-brokered agreement. We encourage the authorities to ensure that the forthcoming recommendations are duly taken into account. As regards the Supreme Court appointments, indeed, the Venice Commission opined on the Supreme Court-related legislation several times, starting from 2019. In this process, the legislation in Georgia did go through a number of positive changes, in line with the Venice Commission recommendations. The conflict-of-interest rules have been introduced, transparency of the selection and appointment of judicial candidates has been increased and the possibility of appeal has been reflected. Yet, as the most recent, April 2021 Venice Commission Opinion points out “[..] there are a number of outstanding recommendations that should be reconsidered”, mostly on the appeal procedure and the equality of candidates. _What is the main / priority reform that the member state, in this case, Georgia, should provide priority under the commitments of the Council of Europe? Further electoral reform is in the main direction that Georgia needs to undertake. Furthermore, implementation of the fourth wave of judicial reforms and in general upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity in the judiciary will remain essential throughout 2021 and beyond. It will be important that the selection procedure for Supreme Court judges is brought into line with European standards as soon as possible. Further reform of the High Council of Justice will remain a priority.
Ben Hodges: Georgia’s future depends on its development as the portal between Europe and Eurasia
Georgia’s future depends on its development as the portal between Europe and Eurasia. Europetime spoke to Former commander of the United States Army Europe, Lieutenant General and the Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), Ben Hodges. According to him, Building ports and other infrastructures such as this terminal are key components of that effort. As it grows, then more Western businesses will move there to build capacity for transit/trade which will lead to their governments taking a much greater interest in security in and around Georgia; and they’ll begin to question why Russian forces are still occupying 20% of Georgia. But Georgia must do all it can to make itself as attractive as possible to foreign investment. Transparency, judicial processes, and reliable labor/power/transportation networks are all part of this. _Dear General, it would be interesting to start the interview with the current developments in the region. In your previous interviews, the leitmotif was that the West should be more actively involved in the ongoing processes in the region and should take clearer steps to demonstrate its position and positioning in the region. A few weeks ago, a US delegation of Senators visited Georgia shortly followed by the official visit of Acting Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker, who also paid a visit to Azerbaijan and Armenia as part of the tour. Soon afterwards, the role of Georgia as a mediator was outlined and the country received thanks from Armenia and Azerbaijan… How would you assess these visits, can we consider it as a statement that America is back to the region? These are all positive steps, manifestations of appreciation for the strategic importance of Georgia in the greater Black Sea region and the South Caucasus. But we’ve got to sustain this; it can’t be episodic. I’m especially proud of the American diplomats serving in Georgia now, they are tireless in their efforts and I’m glad to see senior administration / Department of State officials supporting them as well as the support of our Congress. _How would you assess the recent Summit of NATO Leaders that President Biden has also attended? Were there more expectations from this summit, especially with regard to Georgia and Ukraine? It was a good summit… It is important that President Biden removed all doubt about America’s commitment to NATO and to security and stability in Europe. I also thought the new strategic concept, NATO-2030, is good and I’m pleased the alliance will formally accept it at next year’s summit in Madrid. But I was disappointed in the lack of strong, clear language about future membership for Georgia and Ukraine, and about a lack of a clear definition of the strategic importance of the greater Black Sea region. I worry that Ukraine specifically and the Black Sea, in general, is going to endure a long, hot summer, and the reluctance by the West to demonstrate that we care about the region only encourages Kremlin aggression. I was very proud of the performance of HMS DEFENDER last week! That is exactly the sort of step that must be taken to challenge the Kremlin’s illegitimate claims to Crimea. I hope that NATO leaders, including my own president, will show as much resolve as the Commander and crew of HMS DEFENDER. _What effective steps should NATO take to increase stability in the Black Sea and the Balkans taking into consideration the growing Russian threat? Designate it as a strategically important region, further develop graduated response plans and apportion resources to carry out such plans, and improve intelligence sharing with partners as well as allies in the greater Black Sea region. We’ve also got to fix the relationships with Turkey, a long-time reliable ally, but the relationship is not in a good place right now. The USA should take steps to reach out to Ankara and get this fixed. We need to think long-term on this. _NATO troops are leaving Afghanistan by September, at the same time there is a growing argument that the Afghan population could find themselves in a rather dangerous situation. Do you think the Afghan security forces are ready to ensure peace and will this decision lead to an increase of the role of uncontrolled forces and, consequently, Russia’s role in Central Asian countries? Afghan security forces should be able to do this. They’ve benefited from almost two decades of investment, support, and training by ISAF Forces. But the Afghan Government and people need to decide for themselves what they are going to do and what sort of nation they want to be. _You have often mentioned that large infrastructure projects, ports, terminals, railways, and more Western investors are one of the most important ways for Georgia’s integration into the West. A Mineral Fertilizer Terminal has been opened in the port of Batumi recently that was built with direct American investment and the construction of which was strongly protested by pro-Russian forces. Their protest is also clear - Georgia's role on the transit map is growing since this road connects Central Asia to Europe. What can we say about this project and the protest that constantly accompanies such important projects, Anaklia is the biggest example of this. Georgia’s future depends on its development as the portal between Europe and Eurasia. Building ports and other infrastructures such as this terminal are key components of that effort. As it grows, then more Western businesses will move there to build capacity for transit/trade which will lead to their governments taking a much greater interest in security in and around Georgia; and they’ll begin to question why Russian forces are still occupying 20% of Georgia. But Georgia must do all it can to make itself as attractive as possible to foreign investment. Transparency, judicial processes, and reliable labor/power/transportation networks are all part of this. _And the last question, how do you look at and how do you see the current internal processes in Georgia from a distance? Especially perceived by friends, allies, and fans, whether the path the country has taken will lead to a goal, i.e. Euro-Atlantic integration, which in turn requires work and effective steps beyond the declared statements. I believe that Georgia is back on track, though there’s much to be done; but all of Georgia’s friends are ready to help. I’m hoping to be in Georgia this fall, it’s been too long since we could meet and reinforce the effort of each other for a Georgia where young people can achieve their fullest potential.
Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia: Georgia and NATO are doing so many things together. All these joint efforts move Georgia forward towards NATO membership
Georgia and NATO are doing so many things together. All these joint efforts move Georgia forward towards NATO membership. Said Dr. Rosaria Puglisi, Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia in an exclusive interview with Europetime. The NATO summit and other issues were the topics of the Europetime interview with Dr. Rosaria Puglisi. _Can you explain the importance of the 14 June NATO Summit? What are the main takeaways for Georgia and what does it mean that so much attention in the Summit Communique was devoted to Russia? With this Summit, NATO has opened a new chapter. All leaders around the table have said loud and clear that Europe and North America must stand strong together in NATO. This is a powerful message after a complicated period, an indication that the Alliance remains a prime place for transatlantic political dialogue. Reinstating our unity and mutual commitment is especially important at a time when authoritarian regimes, like Russia and China, challenge the rules-based order. It goes without saying that a strong NATO is important for Georgia too. The Summit Communique has very strong language on Russia. It highlights the risks it poses to the Alliance and its partners as a consequence of its continued breach of the values and the commitments that underpin the Russia-NATO relationship. Until Russia demonstrates compliance with international law and its obligations, there is no going back to business as usual–NATO leaders have stressed. With this determination goes also NATO’s reiterated support for Georgia's territorial integrity and the repeated call for Russia to reverse its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, to end the militarization of these regions and attempts to separate them from the rest of Georgia, and to cease human rights violations, arbitrary detentions, and harassments of Georgian citizens. At the Summit, the Secretary-General repeated in no ambiguous terms that Georgia will become a member of the Alliance and that it has all the practical tools to prepare for eventual membership. With 16 ongoing initiatives and all Allies plus partners, Finland and Sweden involved, the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP), for example, is one of those tools. The SNGP is a unique program, a flagship of NATO’s capacity-building support to partners. Through it, NATO and Georgia are working together side by side, on a daily basis to consolidate Georgia's capabilities and prepare the country for its goal of becoming a member of the Alliance. _Providing correct information about NATO is sometimes an issue in a country like Georgia, regularly exposed to deliberate disinformation campaigns also from its northern neighbor. People need to know what we are doing, you said during the meeting organized by the Defense and Security Committee of the Parliament of Georgia in March. What should be done to counter the challenges and threats stemming from disinformation? How to keep strong popular support for NATO membership among the Georgian public? Keeping strong popular support for NATO and countering disinformation on NATO and Georgia's membership perspectives are, in my view, two different things. NATO support ratings in Georgia are very high. In the four years, I have been in this country, I have never seen popular approval for NATO membership go below 68%. The real question is rather what people know about the Alliance and about all the work that NATO and Georgia are doing together to prepare Georgia for membership. Before the Covid pandemics, I used to meet a lot of people, students, teachers, business people, local authorities representatives, in Tbilisi and in the regions. What I always found striking is how little people are informed about all that is going on with NATO. The less people know, the more likely they are to buy the disinformation arguments that nothing is going on, that the alliance is neglecting Georgia, and that Georgia will never become a member. Here you, as a journalist, and I and my fellow Georgian colleagues, as foreign policy practitioners, have a shared responsibility. We have to make sure that information on these crucial processes circulates. Disinformation can be countered only with information. I do not mean propaganda, but information. Georgia and NATO are doing so many things together: from helping build the capacity of the Georgian Coast Guard, to the exchange of information on the security situation in the Black Sea, from establishing a common knowledge of security and defense issues across different Georgianinstitutions to training the Georgian Defence Forces to full NATO standards. All these joint efforts move Georgia forward towards NATO membership. More importantly, however, they make the country better able to defend itself, to protect its territory and its people. In one word, these joint efforts make Georgia more resilient. _We know, that one of the fundamental criteria for alliance membership is the strength of democratic institutions. What do you think, how does NATO assess the quality of these institutions? A: The effective functioning of democratic institutions is indeed one of the distinctive treats of resilience. A country with functional and accountable institutions is better able to withstand hybrid attacks and to protect its people and territory at a time of peace, crisis or conflict. This rule applies not only to Georgia but to all countries in general. It is not surprising, then, that at the Summit, the Alliance reiterated that it stands strong in support of Georgia’s ongoing democratic reforms. Particularly, it welcomed the recent political agreement on the Way Ahead for Georgia and encouraged all parties to stay focused on its implementation. These important reforms, NATO leaders believe, will help Georgia, an aspirant country, to progress in its preparation for membership. Exclusive: NATO welcomes Georgian cross-party declaration ahead of the summit Exclusive: James Appathurai: NATO and Georgia also sharing situational awareness in the Black Sea to ensure that the Black Sea remains a source of stability and security, for NATO Allies and partners
Georgia should take note Biden`s caveat on Ukraine’s NATO membership - Luis Navaro
NATO reiterated its support for Georgian sovereignty, as well as called out Russia’s occupation and actions against Georgia’s citizens. It is also noteworthy, in an apparent response to Pres Zelensky’s demand for a yes or no answer on Ukraine’s membership, that Pres Biden responded to a reporter, “It depends on whether they meet the criteria”. I think the context for this is a function of several challenges, including, Ukraine’s inconsistent effort to address official corruption and the internal backsliding of NATO member nations, such as Poland and Hungary. Georgia should take note of this caveat, and its application to the failures of the government to depart from the nation’s history of prioritizing partisan self-interest in its law enforcement, judicial appointments, and election administration; its antagonistic approach to dissent from the media and civil society; and reliance upon an unelected oligarch over popular will, in its governance. The Georgian opposition, particularly UNM, cannot be in the thrall of a convicted non-citizen, demand European intervention in resolving a political crisis, it helped foment by denying an internationally observed/affirmed election, and then flout European mediation efforts, and expect to be viewed as a constructive alternative. NATO membership will not solve these issues, and it falls to the political class, to work towards achieving the democratic conditions that will both serve its citizens best and facilitate NATO membership“, - Said Luis Navaro.
MEP Marina Kaljurand: Georgia contributes to Europe’s and to the world’s collective security
The NATO summit was the topic of the Europetime comment with the Chair of the delegation to the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee Marina Kaljurand. „The fact that on June 11th, ahead of the summit, all Georgian political parties sitting in Parliament co-signed a joint statement supporting Georgia’s NATO integration, proves, once again, that NATO membership (just like EU membership) is consensual across party lines, which is very positive in itself. Georgia contributes to Europe’s and to the world’s collective security by its substantial contributions to the Alliance’s operations (for example, Georgia is the 4th largest contributor to NATO's Resolute Support Mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces. Georgia also contributes actively to NATO’s political-military assessment of the Black Sea region). Therefore, comes as no surprise that NATO reiterated in its Communiqué the decision made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit that Georgia will become a member of the Alliance with the MAP as an integral part of the process. The 19 April agreement opens the way for a de-polarisation of the political landscape and a strengthening of democracy and the rule of law, which will allow Georgia to prepare itself in the right conditions for NATO membership“. Marina Kaljurand is an Estonian politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs (2015-2016), Earlier, she served as the Ambassador of Estonia to the United States (2011–2014), and in Russia (2007-2011). Brussels Summit Communiqué Exclusive: NATO welcomes Georgian cross-party declaration ahead of the summit Exclusive: Ambassador Hubert Knirsch: The open-door policy was reconfirmed, explicitly with regard to Georgia Exclusive: French Ambassador: The ambitious partnership between NATO and Georgia strongly reaffirmed Exclusive: MEP Marina Kaljurand: My message is not given up your dream to become a member of the EU and NATO
French Ambassador: The ambitious partnership between NATO and Georgia strongly reaffirmed
The NATO summit was the topic of the Europetime comment with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Georgia Diego Colas. „The NATO summit that just took place was a very important and successful meeting. It was a powerful and useful reminder of what NATO is and of what it does. Among the many important statements and decisions that took place during the Summit, it is right that there was a strong reaffirmation of the ambitious partnership between NATO and Georgia. The important thing now is to implement the many dimensions of this ambitious partnership. This will make Georgia and NATO stronger, and it will effectively bring Europe and Georgia closer together“, - said Diego Colas. Exclusive: NATO welcomes Georgian cross-party declaration ahead of the summit Brussels Summit Communiqué Ambassador Hubert Knirsch: The open-door policy was reconfirmed, explicitly with regard to Georgia Exclusive: French Ambassador: If you ask me about the necessity of a strong Western presence in South Caucasus, I emphatically reply yes
Ambassador Hubert Knirsch: The open door policy was reconfirmed, explicitly with regard to Georgia
The open-door policy was reconfirmed, explicitly with regard to Georgia. German Ambassador to Georgia Hubert Knirsch said in a comment with ‘Europetime’. „The Brussels summit has reconfirmed NATO´s unity and determination to maintain and strengthen security in the Euro-Atlantic area. The open-door policy was reconfirmed, explicitly with regard to Georgia. NATO appreciates Georgia as a close partner and as a country that deserves continued support in the important reforms it conducts“, - Said Ambassador Hubert Knirsch. Hubert Knirsch: Germany has a leading role in the active cooperation in the framework of the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package Exclusive: NATO welcomes Georgian cross-party declaration ahead of the summit Brussels Summit Communiqué
NATO welcomes Georgian cross-party declaration ahead of the summit
NATO welcomes Georgian cross-party joint statement ahead of the summit - said Alliance in a comment with Europetime. “ We welcome this cross-party declaration on NATO. It is another sign that Euro-Atlantic integration is a goal which unites the full political spectrum in Georgia”. Georgian ruling party, opposition sign joint statement ahead of NATO summit.
Philip Reeker: The Anaklia Deep Sea Port and all the biggest infrastructure projects are a great opportunity
The Anaklia Deep Sea Port is a great opportunity, - said Acting Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Philip Reeker, in an exclusive comment with Europe Time. „It is a great opportunity there. Create the environment and if it's for the attraction of investors they will come. This is an investment opportunity. That is why we want to help and support at this moment, "said Philip Reeker. As for the issue of the free trade agreement with the United States. Philip Reeker answered a question by Europe Time in this regard. According to Philip Reeker, strengthening the rule of law and reforms are very important elements that will help Georgia become attractive for international trade. "We appreciate Georgia's desire to boost trade relations with the United States. To do this, it is very important to continue the course of reforms. Among them, the implementation of the April 19 agreement and, consequently, the creation of a more attractive environment for international trade, in which the rule of law plays a very big part. As you know, the issue of free trade is the prerogative of the American Trade Representative. But I want to mention that in this process it is very important to develop a transparent business environment, and this process is going on between them, with our help as well", - said Philip Reeker. „We should encourage more direct investment in Georgia. One would be infrastructure, 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, said Senator Rob Portman in an exclusive interview with Europe Time. He stressed that it is extremely important that more countries invest in Georgia. „I hope more American companies will do so. One reason some companies are concerned is because of the judicial system. So that is one reason the Judiciary System is important: it provides an opportunity for more prosperity for all Georgians because more foreign investments mean more jobs. One would be infrastructure, 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. So I think there is a great opportunity for more investment here to help Georgian people. Investment is good and we should encourage more direct investment in Georgia, but also more trade. So Georgia's top trade partner is Turkey, and its second is Russia. The United States is a very small part of that, so we need to figure out how to have more supply chains come in from Georgia to America or more exports to America and vice versa. Because I was involved as a United States Trade Representative, that is something I will be working on personally. I hope we can expand our trade-in addition to direct investment, "said Senator Rob Portman in an exclusive comment with Europe Time.
Senator Rob Portman: We should encourage more direct investment 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 Europe Time. He stressed that it is extremely important that more countries invest in Georgia. I hope more American companies will do so. One reason some companies are concerned is the judicial system. So that is one reason the judicial system is important: it provides an opportunity for more prosperity for all Georgians because more foreign investments mean more jobs. 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. So I think there is a great opportunity for more investment here to help Georgian people. Investment is good, and we should encourage more direct investment in Georgia, but also more trade. So Georgia's top trade partner is Turkey, and its second is Russia. The United States is a very small part of that, so we need to figure out how to have more supply chains come in from Georgia to America or more exports to America and vice versa. Because I was involved as a United States Trade Representative, that is something I will be working on personally. I hope we can expand our trade-in addition to direct investment, "said Senator Rob Portman in an exclusive comment with Europe Time.
MEP Marina Kaljurand: My message is to not give up your dream of becoming a member of the EU and NATO
The Chair of the delegation to the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee, Marina Kaljurand, "is a very strong believer in open-door policy". In an exclusive interview with Europe Time, she stated that each nation should have the right to decide their own future and which organizations they wish to join. Marina Kaljurand speaks about Estonias example, "when nobody was expecting us in the EU and NATO. But it was a political decision. We were doing our reforms, we were trying to do our best, so we were waiting for the window of opportunity, and once it was open, we were lucky and happy to take advantage of it. Marina Kaljurand is an Estonian politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs (2015–2016). Earlier, she served as the Ambassador of Estonia to the United States (2011–2014) and in Russia (2007–2011). _Thank you for the interview. How do you assess EU-Georgia relations today? Of course, the recent political crisis in Georgia has had some impact on EU-Georgia relations, but I would urge you today to get back on track. Of course, we are following very closely the political developments in Georgia. Next month we will be at the Eastern Partnership Summit. In the autumn, we can look into more details on how far we are in this process. _As it is known, Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova have signed a memorandum on establishing the Associated Trio. How do you evaluate this step forward by the trio of countries? I would urge you to try all the ways. All methods if it is your aim to have closer integration with the EU. So the cooperation among these three countries is a good thing, but you should also continue your bilateral efforts because the Eastern Partnership is very clear. It provides as much as the Eastern Partners are interested in, and they cooperate in the fields they want to cooperate in. Of course, also for democratic reforms. So, my advice would be to take advantage of all the different formats: the Eastern Partnership as such, the trio as such, and bilateral relations as such. When we are talking about a new format, I think about the close integration of different policies. I had a very good meeting with the speaker, Kakha Kutchava, and he told me that Georgia's future is in accordance with the same projects that we have in the EU. For example, the green deal, digitalization, and economic reforms. So you're trying to align yourself as closely as possible with the policies of the EU. I think this is a very smart approach because it means that we are developing new actions together very quickly, and I think, for example, economic cooperation, there is a lot we can do at the moment. So the economic status of Georgia should be like we have in Norway, Switzerland, Iceland. So, I believe that aligning different policies and formats is also very important. _What should be the main tenets and ideas of these three (trio) countries' new way of life? You should agree among yourself. But I do not see how there can be any closer integration without continuing democratic reforms. The international community and the EU are looking toward judicial reforms in Georgia, constitutional reform, and electoral reform in the same way they are fighting corruption in Ukraine. There are so many reforms where these three countries are on a different level, on advisement. So, while exchanging best practices, exchanging information, and cooperating at that level may be preferable, the EU, of course, urges you to continue with the democratic reforms. like to also say that I think it is important to draw from my country's experience when Estonia was exceeding the EU. For a long time, we were doing reforms to enter the EU. We were not doing that for the EU. We were doing it for our people. So I urged these reforms not because the EU demands it or because the EU wants you to do it. It is just because people want it, and they said it very clearly: they want to live in a society that is very much like the EU, they want to be a part of the EU, they want to be members of the EU. So, continuing the reforms is crucial not only for the EU but also for your people. _Georgia plans to apply for EU membership in 2024. How do you view membership prospects, given your statement that there is no consensus in the EU? I am a very strong believer in the open-door policy. I am a firm believer that each nation should have the right to determine its own future and the organizations to which it wishes to belong. And again, I come from Estonia. Trust me, we have been through that at the beginning of the 90s when nobody was expecting us in the EU and NATO. But it was a political decision. We were doing our reforms, trying to do our best, so we were waiting for the window of opportunity, and once it was open, we were happy to take advantage of it. So my message is to not give up your dream of becoming an EU or NATO member, be prepared, continue reforms, but at the same time, I urge you to be realistic. I do not see consensus in the EU or NATO. Membership is a political consensus. I do not see the consensus in the political parties in the European Parliament. I do not see a consensus among member states. There are very different opinions to the contrary. In Brussels, some states are still saying that enlargement in 2004 was a mistake. So there are so many different opinions. You should be determined to convince the skeptical ones that you deserve to decide a point in the future and that you deserve a unilateral political consensus decision. I do not want to speculate and predict, but personally, I do not think so, because I am speaking of the reality we have today. If it happens, I will be the first one to greet you as a member of the EU and I will be very happy for you, trust me. But I also want to be realistic and frank about the present situation. That’s why I was saying that I think that Georgian leadership should pursue its ambitions but also keep realistic expectations so the people will not be disappointed if they do not get a message by 2024. People will understand it is a process and one day the window will be open. I do not know when, but we should work together for the Georgian people as soon as possible. _We can hope that something will change in the next three years... it has been a long time before I agree. That’s why I do not speculate. I am speaking on behalf of the knowledge that I have today. I am a diplomat and former foreign minister, so I have seen how the accession decisions will be made previously, so that’s why I am trying to be realistic. But you should do everything possible to enter the EU and NATO. You should be persistent in convincing those who are hesitant. It is not about Estonia, because Estonia supports Georgia anyway, but about the countries that are much more hesitant, and I know that they are the big countries of the EU that do not have a treaty of accession today. Just remember what President Macron said. Look at the election in Germany. We do not know the result yet, but we do know the political landscape that will be there after that. We heard the commission's position on enlargement, so these are the signs that have to be taken seriously about – "yes". You have to try everything. You have to do everything to fulfill your dreams. We know that Russia has applied various methods to create a hybrid war against many countries, including Georgia. There are some expert opinions that say the European Union has a more constructive approach. What is your view of these relations, especially amid growth-based aggression from the side of Russia? In 2008, when war broke out, I was Estonian ambassador to Russia (2007-2011). I was an Estonian ambassador in 2007 when Russia had a cyber attack on my country. So I'm not naive about Russia, or about Cyber Challenges, or about information operations. I personally experienced that for years as an Estonian ambassador to Russia. By the way, when Georgia was Russia's enemy number one and I was the Estonian Ambassador to Moscow, we served Georgian wine in my embassy. Since Georgian wine was forbidden in Moscow, we brought it from our supermarket in Tallinn and we served it at the receptions. So I called it a little wine diplomacy in 2008. As for the EU, I think our relations are at the lowest with Russia, but at the same time, they are very frank and open. The visit of Joseph Borell to Moscow, as well as the press conference, were eye-openers for many Western countries hoping for or already having partnership relations with Russia. If you remember, the press conference was embarrassing and Lavrov made it very clear that he was laughing and not taking seriously the EU, its aspirations, human rights protection, the rule of law, and EU principles. That is reality, I think the principles of how we cooperate with Russia should be reviewed, but the basics should be the same. Yes, we have to cooperate with Russia on some topics. Mutual interests, the environment, crime, terrorism, are topics where we can cooperate. Second, we should not close our eyes to things that are happening in Russia. That’s why I am really proud that the EU is still united behind the sanctions introduced for Crimea, as well as the sanctions that followed the arrest of Navalny and recent developments. So, we should continue to remember the things that we do not think are right in Russia. Third, we should continue supporting exchanges, free media, and opposition, because I believe that this is the best way of advancing young people, not to live in society, but to see how democratic societies are functioning and what it means to be a member of the EU. I think this is the future of the younger generation. I do not agree with all the political statements of Navalny, but he has the power to bring the opposition together. Something I did not see in Russia is that the opposition will not reach out to people in the same way that Navalny and the opposition are, and, of course, very concrete and strong responses on cyberattack and information operations; we have the same goal, we have been targets of Russian cyber operations, and we can cooperate very closely here. So, I am really proud that my country has been supporting Georgia. During the war in 2008, I was a cyber expert, and we developed cooperation projects. Georgia is our priority for developing cooperation. So I am really proud that my country is a good friend of Georgia. _The NATO Summit will be in two weeks in Brussels. What could you say about Georgia's expectations? It is a very good question because we all remember the Bucharest summit, which said that Georgia and Ukraine should become NATO members and the next steps should be MAP and you do not have it after 13 years later. The NATO Summit will be in two weeks in Brussels. As with the EU, I would urge you to present your position to work towards receiving positive signals and positive answers from NATO. So, as I have said with the EU, that is a future your people have chosen. And you, journalists, politicians, and civil society, should work in the service of your people and towards the dreams that your people have expressed. So, you have the support of many friends in the EU and NATO.
Ghassan Khalil, UNICEF Representative in Georgia: We stay committed to support the Government in the implementation of the vaccine deployment plan
`We stay committed to support the Government in the implementation of the vaccine deployment plan`, - Said in an exclusive interview with Europe Time Ghassan Khalil, UNICEF Representative in Georgia. He also stressed the importance of existing queries and providing correct information to debunk various myths and misinformation related to COVID-19 vaccination. With an infodemic, false claims circulate more easily, hampering public health responses, creating confusion, distrust, and causing harm to people’s lives: _What would be UNICEF message on Child Protection Day in Georgia? On Child Protection Day, UNICEF is urging the Government and businesses to provide greater investment and greater access to scale up tailored, holistic, and community-based parenting programs and services to support parents and caregivers, especially for the most vulnerable families. Family support services are essential at any stage working with the family. The Code of the Rights of the Child puts an emphasis on the importance of family support services at the central as well as the municipal level. Strong family support services are required to ensure a family environment for every child and to avoid the separation of a child from a family. Social welfare staff at central and municipal levels are key for a quality social service. Being a parent is the most important job in the world. COVID-19 and its socio-economic consequences have piled new forms of stress onto parents and exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities and adversity within families. As we move into the second year of the pandemic, parents and caregivers continue to struggle to keep children learning and their families functioning, often in the face of worsening poverty. Now more than ever, we need to reimagine the support we give to families and parents so that they have the time, resources, and services to give children the best start in life. In partnership with the European Union, we will be supporting parents and children in promoting positive parenting and having access to necessary services. To emphasize the importance of positive parenting and family support services, UNICEF, in partnership with the European Union as part of their joint project ‘Strengthening Systems and Services for Child Protection in Georgia” is holding a “Parenting Week”. The campaign will engage parents, caregivers, professionals, and children and encourage them to start thinking about sound approaches to positive upbringing and protecting children’s rights, which can be achieved through positive communication and respect. This includes online webinars, in-person meetings, and social media campaigns. _The risks of child involvement in labour have increased in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the report was prepared with the support of UNICEF. More specifically, what concerns this study unveils and how do you find out ways to sort out them? The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) recognizes every child’s right, “to be protected from economic exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child’s education,” or that is likely to harm the child’s health or, “physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development.” Understanding the underlying causes of child labour and addressing their interconnectedness is the key premise behind the UNICEF prevention and response approach. Child labour is largely driven by vulnerabilities caused by poverty and deprivation. Progress to eliminate child labour is therefore closely linked to reducing these vulnerabilities, mitigating economic shocks, and providing families with social protection and an adequate level of regular income. UNICEF and other child protection actors are increasingly moving away from small-scale, issue-specific projects in favor of a systems approach, with a strong focus on prevention. The systems approach facilitates more systematic policy development and programming that considers the child, family, and community as a whole. Better coordination of poverty reduction, social welfare, justice, labour, and education policies ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Last year, UNICEF supported the Public Defender’s Office in developing the Special Report On Child Labour During the New Coronavirus Pandemic and Beyond, which analyzed the pandemic’s impact on child labour, gaps in legislation, and problems identified in practice. The study found out that: · It is a common practice in the regions to involve juveniles in household and seasonal work; · Labour migration of juveniles is also a common practice in Georgia, including migration abroad where children perform heavy labour under inadequate conditions and for low payment; · Children systematically miss or drop out of school due to their involvement in labour. The absence of students, or the reasons for the above, are not recorded in some instances. As a result, not all cases of child involvement in labour are recorded and thus remain un-responded. · Public awareness of child labour rights and childrens’ protection from harmful forms of labour is low. Society is, in some cases, tolerant towards similar cases. · Elimination of child labour on the street and the identification of the needs of children living and working on the streets remains a challenge due to a lack of resources and qualified personnel. The study also provides specific recommendations. Georgia ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and many other international instruments, which establish Government responsibility for protecting every child of hazardous labour. The Code of the Rights of the Child of Georgia that came into force several months ago envisages child protection from harmful forms of labour and the development of specific mechanisms for the eradication of child labour on both national and municipal levels. _UNICEF is supporting the Government of Georgia in procuring vaccines through the COVAX platform. How do you assess the vaccination process and what are the expectations in the direction of receive new doses? UNICEF has been supporting the Government of Georgia in carrying out routine immunization programs and has also been ready to facilitate the communication with COVAX on COVID-19 vaccines upon the request of the Government. UNICEF is part of the COVAX Facility, which aims at accelerating the development and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics and guaranteeing that people in all corners of the world will get equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines once they are available, regardless of their wealth. As the largest vaccine buyer in the world, procuring more than 2 billion doses annually for routine immunization and outbreak response on behalf of nearly 100 countries, UNICEF is coordinating and supporting the procurement, international freight, and in-country distribution of COVID-19 vaccines for the COVAX Facility. We are also building on years of experience in providing simple, effective, and accurate information to build public knowledge, awareness, and confidence in vaccines. We are working with partners to ensure that local communities are engaged in the overall vaccination process. For this, we are building on our support for immunization programs by working with health workers, religious leaders, teachers, and influencers to share the right information before, during, and after vaccination campaigns. Immediately after the Government requested UNICEF’s support, we started to work with the COVAX Facility to support the Government of Georgia in the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines and the process is still ongoing. We stay committed to supporting the Government in the implementation of the vaccine deployment plan. _ UNICEF is actively involved in the awareness campaign in the regions, so what are the vision of the population with vaccination and in consideration of this and the vaccination process in general, do you think that vaccinating 60% by the end of the year is prospective? Immunization is crucial in combating this pandemic, which is affecting every one of us. We need to understand that vaccination is the only way to get back to normalcy and to ensure children and their families regain access to education, health, and protective services, which have been severely disrupted. No one will be safe until everyone is safe. UNICEF is supporting the National Center for Disease Control to implement the National COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment Strategy by reaching ethnic minority regions or various target groups to organize information sessions around the benefits of vaccination. We visited the Samtskhe-Javakheti region and Adjara AR where we had meetings with religious leaders of the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church, doctors, teachers, and local media representatives to learn about various aspects of the COVID-19 vaccination. The sessions were led by prominent doctors and public health experts who responded to the questions of community representatives around vaccination. It is important to respond to all existing queries and to provide correct information to debunk various myths and misinformation related to COVID-19 vaccination. With an infodemic, false claims circulate more easily, hampering public health responses, creating confusion, distrust, and causing harm to people’s lives. National governments, international organizations, civil society has tried to counter misinformation in multiple ways. However, the issue persists and is becoming increasingly challenging. That is why it is important to constantly engage with local communities to maintain a regular dialogue and provide correct information. That’s what we are doing while visiting various regions, including the ones populated by ethnic minorities. We try to be closer to various groups, listen to them more carefully to understand their concerns and respond to their queries. The Government of Georgia is implementing the National Vaccine Deployment program and let’s hope that the Government can reach its goals regarding the vaccination.
Researcher at CEPS Tinatin Akhvlediani: The Memorandum demonstrates the readiness of Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine to speed up their integration with the EU
The Memorandum signed by the three Associated states two days ago demonstrates the will, ambition, and readiness of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine to deepen and speed up their integration with the EU. Said Tinatin Akhvlediani, Researcher at the Center for European Policy Studies (CEPS) in an interview with Europe Time. `Back in December 2019, the DCFTA states have already issued a statement with the request to launch the dialogue with the EU in the “Trio” format. Yet, the statement was not formally addressed by the EU. In this regard, the new Memorandum is an important step in making the cooperation among the AA countries more systemic and the awaiting response from the EU will demonstrate the EU`s readiness to support speeding up the European integration of the „Associated Trio“, - Said Tinatin Akhvlediani. _Based on the analysis and studies conducted by CEPS with regard to the Eastern Partnership countries, how would you evaluate Georgia's position in terms of relations with the European Union and the implementation of the Association Agreement? Let me start with a report which Michael Emerson and I have prepared last year for the European Parliament to assess Georgia’s Association Implementation. As pointed out in this study, Georgia is well on track with the implementation of its commitments laid down in the Association Agreement. In fact, there are areas in which the country even went beyond its obligations and aligned its legislation with the newest EU laws (for instance, in digital and cyber areas). Our most recent study on the comparison of the Balkan and the EaP states also shows that among the three Associated States, Georgia scores highest in terms of the implementation of the DCFTA. When it comes to political and legal governance, the country’s scores are roughly the same as for Ukraine and Moldova, owing mostly to the anti-corruption reforms actively implemented within the past decade. Up to date, Georgia still remains a relatively incorrupt state in the Eastern Partnership region, yet the most recent developments point to a stagnation in anti-corruption reforms and highlight that the country should reinforce its efforts to eradicate corruption. Moreover, Georgia recorded worsening its political reputation by the lack of democratic accountability, informal governance, and irregularities in the 2018 and 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections. _In your opinion, how did the current crisis impact the EU integration path, and don´t you think that it is crucial to implement reforms that would ultimately affect membership prospects? The current political crisis undoubtedly impacted Georgia’s political reputation and once more made it clear that deepening European integration very much depends on the country’s efforts to guarantee the rule of law, human rights, and democracy. In this respect, the EU has iterated in all its statements that undertaking reforms in the judiciary and the electoral system should be an absolute priority for the country. This was also highlighted in Charles Michel’s detailed proposal on how to resolve political conflict. Therefore, it is unequivocal that Georgia should implement needed reforms and address politicized justice and drawbacks in its electoral and judicial systems. The progress in these areas will be undoubtedly crucial for deepening the relations with the EU. _Internal political crisis by stepping up great efforts and mediation from the side of the European Union may be considered resolved at this stage, in your opinion, to what extent does the end of the crisis paves the way for further progress in the process of EU integration? While the EU has been criticized for being a rather weak geopolitical player in the Eastern Partnership, its active engagement with Georgia importantly reinforced the EU’s visibility and presence in the region. Through its effective mediation, the EU has managed to broker a deal among extremely polarized political parties, which seemed an almost impossible mission to do. Brokering a deal, in the end, highlighted that for both parties, for the EU as well as for Georgia, supporting Georgia’s European integration is strategically important. _Georgia plans to apply for EU membership in 2024. How do you view this prospect? In general, while considering the enlargement the EU follows the accession criteria, so-called Copenhagen criteria which puts forward three main conditions for the EU membership. These are the political criteria covering the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, and human rights; economic criteria implying having in place market economy, and administrative and institutional capacity to effectively implement the EU acquis and the obligations for the EU membership. The current political crisis highlighted that Georgia clearly has problems with the first set of conditions and meet political criteria by 2024 might be quite challenging. When it comes to the economic criteria, while Georgia has well advanced in terms of implementing the DCFTA, the Georgian economy overall still remains quite weak and fragile, casting doubts on the negative side effects of the deeper economic integration with the EU’s single market. The institutional capacity of Georgia has its own challenges in the “struggle for good governance”. Therefore, applying for EU membership in 2024 should be quite a challenging plan for Georgia. Apart from fulfilling the accession criteria, Georgia’s membership prospects very much depend on the EU’s political will and the EU’s policy in the Eastern Partnership region. The EU’s new EaP policy published in March 2020 did not promise membership prospects, nor many concrete upgrades in the relations with the EU-associated Trio, Georgia included. Yet the new policy framework put forward areas for enhancing cooperation, such as green and digital transformation. Guiding with the 'more for more' proposition from the EU, Georgia could strategize to deepen sectoral cooperation with the EU in these areas. _Don´t you plan some kind of research on Georgia's relations with the European Union, even within the Eastern Partnership? Well, we quite regularly publish papers, commentaries, and reports on the European integration of Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine on the dedicated website: https://3dcftas.eu/. Our current studies include the Balkan and Eastern European Comparisons, comparative study across the EaP on the Covid effects on Digital Literacy, and upcoming editions of the trilogy handbooks on the EU-Georgia/Moldova/Ukraine Association Agreements and Struggle for Good Governance. Particularly in Georgia, we are currently working on the ex-post evaluation of the EU-Georgia DCFTA. This will be the first ex-post evaluation of the DCFTAs, commissioned by the European Commission, DG Trade, and it will bring quite interesting insights on the effects of the DCFTA on Georgia’s economic, social and sustainable development as well as the EU’s trade and neighborhood policies. The final report will be published in a years’ time, yet before then, your readers might consult the study website: https://www.dcfta-evaluation.eu/. Your readers might also find it interesting to read my blog written for the Georgian Institute of Politics on the new Eastern Partnership policy and Georgia’s Deliverables for 2020.
Ambassador Ran Gidor: Israel aspires to a complete cessation of hostilities
„Israel aspires to a complete cessation of hostilities and the civilian populations on both sides are pining for peace“, - Said Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to Georgia Mr. Ran Gidor in an interview with Europe Time. He also said that the Israeli government is also mindful of the need to create effective deterrence: _The United Nations speaks about the danger of a "full-scale war" in the Middle East. In the interview, you mentioned once the need for pressure on Hamas from the international community, what exactly should this activity be expressed? Hamas needs to understand that there is ‘zero tolerance’ among the international community towards terrorism, the indiscriminate shelling of civilian population centers, and the use of violence. Moreover, some rogue states (such as Iran), who continue to support Hamas (which is formally listed as a ‘terrorist organization’ in the US, EU, Canada, Australia, etc.), need to face the grim consequences of their choices. _International leaders speak about the need for de-escalation and make relevant calls. How do you find out the ways and steps towards de-escalation? Naturally, Israel aspires to a complete cessation of hostilities and the civilian populations on both sides are pining for peace. However, the Israeli government is also mindful of the need to create effective deterrence. Israel did not start this conflict, but rather – was taken by surprise at the sudden and unprovoked launching of rockets into its territory. Therefore, we need to try and make sure that Hamas will never again be tempted to undertake such an attack or start such a catastrophic adventure. Otherwise, we’d be doomed into an endless cycle of violence. _Bilateral relations are actively developing with all major spheres between Israel and Georgia, including regular bilateral and multilateral political dialogue, cooperation between the legislatures, inter-parliamentary friendship groups have been established. How do you assess these relations and what do you consider the main priority? Israeli-Georgian bilateral relations have always been excellent, as is evident by the overwhelming support we have been enjoying among all levels of Georgian society since the beginning of the current conflict. However, I think that too much stress has been placed on our glorious, shared past of 26 centuries of coexistence, and not enough effort has been made towards injecting our bilateral relations with fresh substance. Dialogues, friendship groups, and bilateral visits are all important in themselves, but ultimately they need to lead to practical results. Currently, our bilateral trade is minuscule (42 million USD in 2019) and the level of investment is quite low. Therefore, for me – the top priority is to use Israeli expertise in order to support the incipient Georgian high-tech ecosystem, to lay down the necessary framework of agreements that would boost bilateral trade and investment, and to support the creation of agricultural, scientific, and industrial joint-ventures. Moreover, last month (April 2021) Israelis were the second biggest group of foreign visitors to Georgia (after Turkey), and in 2019 more than 200,000 of my compatriots visited this country. Whereas Israeli tourism is an enormous source of revenue and jobs for the Georgian economy, we need to make Israelis realize that Georgia has so much more to offer than just khachapuri, khinkali and good wine. _Israel is a leading country in terms of vaccination, is there any additional program/project planned in terms of sharing experience? We know that the Embassy of Israel and the Agency for International Development (MASHAV) have made great efforts to assist Georgia in the fight against COVID19. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Israeli embassy and MASHAV have made large contributions to all the relevant bodies fighting the spread of COVID19 in Georgia. We have supported NCDC (National Centre for Disease Control), the Georgian Red Cross Society, and the Georgia office of the WHO (World Health Organization). We have also invited some top Georgian public health experts to take part in an international forum convened by MASHAV on a bi-weekly basis in order to share best practices and lessons learned. Additionally, MASHAV (which has been operating in Georgia since 1992) has so far trained over 1,500 Georgian women and men in a wide spectrum of academic and professional disciplines, ranging from agriculture – to innovation & entrepreneurship – to public health. We will continue to support our Georgian friends and partners throughout this difficult period.
MEP Andrius Kubilius: Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine need a united action plan of strategic communications with the member countries of the European Union
`Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine need a united action plan of strategic communications with the member countries of the European Union`, - said Co-President of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly Andrius Kubilius in an exclusive interview with Europe Time. `We are trying to speak with capitals, trying to organize some kind of networks with think-tanks with political communities to speak about all those new ideas. We need some kind of joint action plan with the EU, Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova`, - said MEP Andrius Kubilius. _Internal political crisis by stepping up great efforts and mediation from the side of the European Union may be considered resolved at this stage, what will be the next step that makes more credible aspiration of the country towards Euro-Atlantic Alliance? That is exactly why we were very much concerned about this political crisis, which lasts a quite long time, not only after elections but before the elections. That is why we were involved intensively in all those attempts to assist overcome the crisis. And I am really happy that the crisis is over and I am also happy that the EU and personally Charles Michelle took the leadership to resolve the crisis. That is again a good example of how the EU can be effective in resolving some of those challenges. those problems are not only in Georgia. For example, Moldova, Belarus has major problems. So, maybe, that Experience which the EU got in trying to assist Georgia, will be useful for the EU to find a way how to assist others. Why Georgian Crisis was bad from our point of view, it is not only domestically... Georgia was losing some momentum with that crisis, but we considered that Georgia really is a front runner among Eastern Partnership trio countries. we asked the famous think-thank (CEPS) in Brussels to make an analysis and they produced a very interesting study comparing with the Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership countries. As a result, Georgia is among the leaders of both regions. Georgia is among the leaders which is an argument for us to discuss again that there is a need to reform Eastern Partnership Policy to make it much more similar what the EU policy to the Western Balkans. And maybe to offer some kind of more practical integration path for such kind of countries like Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Really, what is very much needed is a clear and very well-defined strategic communication strategy for all three countries to lobby in all the capitals. We are trying to do also the same from European Parliament, we are trying to speak with capitals, trying to organize some kind of networks with think-tanks, with political communities to speak about all those new ideas. We need some kind of joint action plan with the EU, Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova. Maybe, it is a beginning to propose some kind of intermediate status, which was proposed for the first time by Romano Prodi (sharing everything with the Union but institutions). I mean that countries like Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova could have also benefited from membership, like integrated into a single market. So, there is really important as a next step where Georgia can really be one of those which can promote the idea after the crisis. Georgian Government, ruling party plan to apply for EU membership by 2024. So that integration path is really very important not only for Georgia, also for Eastern Partnership countries. Maybe, for the European Neighbourhood Policy and I hope that we should be really able to walk together with Georgians and trio countries pushing some of those big ideas. What about at the congress of `future of Europe`, I will be really happy if all the countries of the Eastern Partnership invite to participate. Creating a think-tank community is a very good idea. _We know that Russia has applied various methods to make a hybrid war against many countries including Georgia. There are some experts’ opinions that the European Union has a more constructive approach. What is your view of these relations especially amid growth-based aggression from the side of Russia? We need some clarity. When we are talking about engaging with Russia, what do we have in mind? Some capitals have a mind, let us engage with Putin. Russia consists of two major `pilots`. One is Kremlin and the second is Russian ordinary people. I am much more in favor of engaging with ordinary people and much less I see any kind of positive outcome with new attempts to engage with Putin. Putin will not change himself, but the Russian people can change Russia. There is a question of how we can assist Russian in its attempts to transform Russia and How we can engage with them. There are several things, one thing is really to help them defend Human rights, election rights and so on which Putin is threatening very much. Second point, what we are stressing everywhere, what the EU can do to help the Russian people in their attempts to transform Russia. The EU should be much stronger in its policy to Eastern Partnership Countries, success of Eastern Partnership Countries is really the best example of what the Russian people can achieve if they will also move with democratic developments in Russia. The Succes of Eastern Partnership Countries is not against Russia. It is in favor of Russian Development, of Russian democratic development. The Succes of Eastern Partnership Countries is not allowed for Putin, because if Russian people will follow Georgian or Ukrainian example, such regime like Putin regime will collapse. _How you see the role of EPP in the resolution of the crisis and generally, its involvement in internal political issues? EPP is among political groups in European Parliament. Despite the fact who is in power and who in opposition, Georgia is really very important for us, the same with Ukrainian, the same with Moldova. The Second Point is We would like to see in all those countries EPP family political party`s success, but sometimes we cannot be better Georgian Politicians than Georgian politicians are themselves. My opinion was very simple also for opposition to UNM and European Georgia. This political crisis was not bringing any kind of political dividends. My advice was to get out of the crisis, but of course not forgetting what you were demanding, but don`t continue the crisis forever because you will start to lose your people trust and then you can also start to lose the trust of international partners.
MEP Rasa JUKNEVIČIENĖ - Vice-Chair of the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee: Georgia’s EU membership is realistic
‘Political agreement is a very important beginning of the new era, new situation in Georgia. It’s possible to find some kind of ways step by step to be part of European Union or even closer partner of European Union as it is now. We do reforms not only to officially become members of EU, it’s not enough to have official stamp that you are a member of EU, you need to be European, you need really to become a part of Europe doing reforms and changing the lives of the people everywhere, in social affairs, in economy, in culture… When political situation will be ready for invitation to become part of European Union, most important is that Georgia would be ready for that moment. It is also very important that a new generation come to the politics and change somehow the old traditions that were not the best. And that’s why I think the country went into this crisis. - In an exclusive interview with Europetime, MEP Rasa Yuknevichyan, Vice-Chair of the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee, talks about the amnesty negotiations, the EU-brokered political agreement in Georgia, the prospect of Georgia's accession to EU and NATO as well as Russia and the current developments in Ukraine. _We have witnessed the unprecedented engagement of the European Union in resolving the political crisis in Georgia - the two-time visit of the President of the Council of Europe Charles Michel to Georgia, as well as the appointment of his special representative. In your opinion, what did these unprecedented efforts / engagement indicate, and whether this is to some extent related to recent developments in the region, I mean Karabakh, as there were some speculations that the West was rather late in responding there. All Georgia’s friends here in European Parliament really are very happy that Charles Michel decided to mediate or to be part of negotiations in this one of the deepest political crisis after the parliamentary elections and of course it is not related to other crises in the region maybe because the crises are very different; military actions or real war which happened because of Karabakh is one thing, and the European Union of course is not a military organization to prevent or to help in this way. But Georgia with the European Union is part of Association Agreement, important side of that and only two countries - Georgia and Ukraine are under this comprehensive and strong relationship from all six Eastern European partnership countries. So, of course Georgia is very important for European Union and that’s why I think that Georgia matters, but on the other hand we hope that for Georgian politicians EU also matters, and I hope that it will be in the future as well. _After the agreement, the opposition entered parliament for the first time. The agreement was signed by the opposition, with the exception of a few parties. How would you assess the current dynamics and ongoing negotiations on the amnesty bill? First of all I hope that all political opposition parties will be back to the parliament and this problem will be solved. I understand how important it is. All parties will be back. I understand how important the issue of political prisoners is and also European Union will offer its support as well. As I know Nika Melia accepted proposal to pay the payment and that crisis will be solved. _Now that the agreement has been signed, how do you think the relations between the EU and Georgia will develop? As we know, the Government of Georgian has announced its goal to apply for EU membership in 2024. This agreement I think is a very important beginning of the new era, new situation in Georgia. And Georgia needs new drive not to be a hostage of one or another personality but to build a really responsible political system, political parties with responsible leadership. The year 2024 is an ambitious goal to deliver the official document for future membership in European Union in one or another form. So, it is very important for Georgia to be leader on this way, leader of democratic reforms, leader of parliamentarianism, leader on possibilities to give up with the past not the best traditions in politics, I mean haters, hate speeches, how opposition is treated. It is a full understanding that both sides - ruling party and opposition are very important for Georgia to achieve these goals. So it is very important that a new generation come to the politics and change somehow the old traditions that were not the best. And that’s why I think the country went into this crisis. We had very important meetings with the ruling party and opposition and they understand these goals. All of them declared they are very much pro-European and that the Euro-Atlantic path for them is very important, and I hope that this goal will unite political parties. And although they have different understanding on the future of some domestic issues, it’s very important to unite themselves for these global issues for Georgia. _Do you think that Georgia should get the prospect of EU membership? How realistic is it that the EU will grant Georgia candidate status, or can there be another initiative, for example, a kind of special partnership? Of course it is realistic but we have to find together the realistic ways, maybe not membership next day after the application, of course not, but it’s possible to find some kind of ways step by step to be part of European Union or even more close partner of European Union as it is now. All the cards now are in the hands of Georgia. I’m always saying these reforms are not for European Union. You need to do reforms for membership - these reforms first of all are for the people in Georgia and if you will do these reforms despite the fact that you still do not have official invitation, it will be positive for Georgia, for the development of Georgia, for the people, for their lives. So, countries that joined the EU enjoy a lot of benefits. We did reforms not only because officially became members of EU, it’s not enough to have official stamp that you are a member of EU, you need to be European, you need really to become a part of Europe doing reforms and changing the lives of the people everywhere, in social affairs, in economy, in culture… if day x will come when political situation will be ready for invitation to become part of European Union, you will be ready. Most important is that Georgia when the day x will come would be ready for that moment. _As for Ukraine, do you think the tactics “let’s not provoke Russia” does not actually work the time has come for Ukraine and Georgia to join NATO? So, Russia’s military buildup next to Ukraine is not over. By this moment they may have declared that they will decrease the number of troops there but it did not happen and they still are occupying Crimea and they are in Eastern Ukraine. So, I think the story is not over yet. But on the issue when some politicians in European Union still think that ‘don’t provoke Russia and it will help’ I don’t think so. I think it was a mistake then in 2008 when NATO Membership Action Plan was not provided for Georgia and Ukraine in Bucharest and it provoked Russia to act against Georgia because they understood this is weakness of NATO not to be strong enough to provide this Membership Action Plan; so it’s opposite, Putin is acting as an opportunist and he is acting as much as he is allowed sometimes to act. So I think that the biggest provocation for Russia is to leave countries like Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova and other countries in this vacuum of security. So, vacuum of security is the highest provocation for Putin to act.
James Appathurai: NATO and Georgia also sharing situational awareness in the Black Sea to ensure that the Black Sea remains a source of stability and security, for NATO Allies and partners
NATO and Georgia also sharing situational awareness in the Black Sea to ensure that the Black Sea remains a source of stability and security, for NATO Allies and partners - Said NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy and NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for Caucasus and Central Asia, Mr. James Appathurai in an exlusive interview with Europe Time. He also said that NATO will continue to assist Georgia with practical support through the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package which was recently refreshed: _How does NATO view the agreement reached between the political parties in Georgia? In one of the interviews you mentioned that if the parliament does not function properly, this is a signal of a poor level of democracy in the country. After reaching an agreement and somewhat taking a step towards ending a political crisis, what do you reckon, what does the country indicate now, which is aspiring to join NATO? The political agreement in Georgia is really good news for all concerned. In the first place for the citizens of Georgia, as their elected representatives can get to work and the Government can focus on current challenges such as the Covid crisis and its economic impact, as well as the difficult but necessary reforms of the judiciary. It is also good news for politicians in Georgia, as the agreement provides for a series of mechanisms and safeguards which should allow all politicians from across the political spectrum to engage in dialogue on substantial issues, and to cooperate in a constructive manner. Finally it is also good news for all of us in the international community who want to see Georgia succeed. We hope the agreement will generate a renewed momentum in domestic reforms, and will also bring Georgia closer to its foreign and security policy objectives to integrate with the EU and NATO. Therefore I highly appreciate the efforts by the EU Council President’s Special Envoy Ambassador Danielsson, and the US Ambassador to help make this possible. Looking ahead, NATO will also follow with interest the implementation of the successive steps stipulated by the Agreement. _In your opinion, how did the current processes impact the prospect for NATO membership, and by finally reaching an agreement between the political parties has our country avoided some threats at this stage? Namely, recently international partners have been making implications that the current situation would harm the prospect for NATO membership. In your opinion, to what extent does the end of the crisis pave the way for further progress in the process of NATO integration? First of all, NATO Allies stand by the decision taken at the 2008 Bucharest Summit – and reiterated in following Summits – that Georgia will become a member of the Alliance. Secondly, NATO is an Alliance built on core values, such as the rule of law, democracy and individual liberty. A well-functioning Parliament, elected by the citizens in a process which is, and is perceived to be, free and fair, is at the heart of any democracy. The stand-off between Government and opposition has therefore been a source of concern over the past year. However, now is the time to look ahead. I believe the agreement puts Georgia in an excellent place to focus on a number of overdue reforms. This is automatically also relevant in the context of preparing for future NATO membership. In any event, we will continue to assist Georgia with practical support through the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package which was recently refreshed. The package seeks both to build Georgia’s defence capacities and resilience, and to prepare Georgia for eventual NATO membership. _We are aware of NATO’s position, that the alliance will not tolerate anything that threatens and endangers the territorial integrity and sovereignty of its partners; Is it time to actively take actions that could lead to NATO enlargement, given that Russia is benefiting from all these crises and that recently, we are observing such statements more frequently. As to future NATO enlargement, I have already addressed the issue in response to your previous question. However, let me be clear here on our support to Georgia’s territorial integrity. Allies have been clear and consistent that Russia must reverse its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia; and it must withdraw its forces from these regions of Georgia. We condemn the grave human rights violations taking place in these regions. NATO fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders; and we have taken due note of the recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, which confirms Russia’s responsibility for human rights violations in Abkhazia and South Ossetia and Russia’s de facto control in these places. Furthermore, NATO has taken a number of steps to help our partners build up their resilience, including in Georgia. Notwithstanding the Covid crisis, we have maintained our political dialogue; and we have strengthened cooperation in defence reform and the management of the defence sector, through the refreshed Substantial NATO-Georgia Package. This includes initiatives relating to the air, land, sea and cyber domains. It aims to further enhance the interaction between Georgia and the different parts of the NATO command structure, strengthen the Package’s maritime component, focus more on resilience, and boost coordination amongst different Georgian agencies. Many Allies have already pledged to support the implementation of this new package, either with personnel or through financial assistance. I see these practical steps also as a demonstration of NATO’s commitment to Georgia, its territorial integrity, and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. _The issue of Black Sea Security is important for member countries of NATO. How would you estimate the recent tense circumstances in Ukraine and what is the strategy that should be developed by the Western countries to strengthen security? Since Russia’s illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea, NATO has increased its presence in the Black Sea. NATO ships routinely patrol and exercise in the Black Sea. Several Allies conduct NATO air policing in the region. We have a Romanian-led multinational brigade based in Craiova. Three NATO members – Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey – are littoral states, with their own forces in the Black Sea region. At the same time, we are stepping up our cooperation with Georgia on maritime security, including by training Georgia’s Coast Guard. NATO and Georgia are also sharing situational awareness in the Black Sea to ensure that the Black Sea remains a source of stability and security, for NATO Allies and partners. At our last meeting, NATO Foreign and Defence Ministers addressed Russia’s military build-up in and around Ukraine, which we also discussed with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister in a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission. In recent weeks, Russia has moved tens of thousands of combat-ready troops and military equipment to Ukraine’s borders and has announced military readiness checks. It has reinforced its military presence on Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula and in the Black Sea region. This military activity is very unusual in both size and timing and Russia has not been transparent regarding its intentions. This is part of a broader pattern of Russian aggressive actions, which raises very serious concerns. Allies fully support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We have taken due note of the recent announcement by Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu towards de-escalation by Russia which is important and overdue. NATO remains vigilant and we will continue to monitor closely Russia’s unjustified military build-up in and around Ukraine. NATO stands with Ukraine, and we continue to call on Russia to respect its international commitments and withdraw all its forces from Ukrainian territory. In recent years, we have also helped to strengthen the capabilities of Ukraine’s security and defence sector institutions. We have stepped up our cooperation in the Black Sea region with more exercises and port visits; and we support Ukraine's wide-ranging reform agenda, which will make Ukraine more resilient, and help bring Ukraine closer to NATO. Secretary General Stoltenberg has recently spoken with President Zelensky, and we have held a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission with Foreign Minister Kuleba to discuss the latest developments. NATO’s support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering. _We are aware that NATO is not a military alliance opposing anyone, it is a unity based on principles and values. However, we also know that the motto "Do not irritate Russia" is not considered to be valid and whenever such compromises are made it brings up frustration every time. In your opinion, would unity of common values, consolidation, and adherence to democratic principles be a peaceful but rigid response for Russia? The question of how NATO Allies, who share principles and values, can best work together in the face of a broad range of threats and challenges will no doubt be at the centre of the discussions ahead of the Summit which will be taking place on 14 June. Let me add that indeed some of these challenges stem from President Putin’s assertive foreign and security policies, such as those close to Ukraine’s borders, but others have different origins. An important part of the response will need to be found in establishing a high level of solidarity and common resolve amongst ourselves, - that is amongst Allies, and also with partners such as Georgia and other like-minded nations.
The agreement is certainly welcomed by Georgia’s friends and partners, but it is not a "free pass," Laura Thornton says
Georgia’s greatest asset is its democracy. It is what has earned the country's much-deserved attention and admiration from Western partners. In no small part because of the country’s location in a challenging region. The international community has really looked to Georgia as a beacon of hope. Thus, when democracy is backsliding, it is, of course, disappointing to the country’s partners. I think the agreement is certainly welcomed by Georgia’s friends and partners. But it is not a "free pass". And any backing away from the agreement will be viewed harshly, "said the Director of the Alliance for Securing Democracy at the German Marshall Fund, Laura Thornton, in an interview with Europe Time. In addition to this issue, in an interview with „Europe Time, " Laura Thornton also said that there is still much work to be done to strengthen Georgia’s democratic institutions and processes and ensure that democracy actually delivers for everyday folks. ET: In the interview, you mentioned once that holding early voting in Georgia would be a bad precedent for Europe and that instead efforts should be made to reform the electoral and judicial systems. According to the agreement signed on April 19, early voting in 2022 shall be announced in case the "Georgian Dream" receives less than 43% of the valid and proportional votes during the local elections in 2021. What do you think of such a formulation and, in general, do you think that this document will end the crisis? LT: Thank you so much for this question. What I said in my interview with VOA was that holding new elections when both domestic and international observers found the process credible could indeed set a potentially negative precedent. Reelections must be held only in very rare circumstances where significant disruption and extensive and proven fraud have taken place that would alter the overall outcome, and nonpartisan observers have declared the exercise neither free nor fair. Otherwise, losing parties everywhere could (and do, in fact) make such demands, without merit. (As we have seen, for example, in the U.S. and Myanmar.) That said, the agreement of April 19 indicates that a significant portion of representatives from both the opposition and ruling parties acknowledge the unique circumstances of the political situation in Georgia and the need for a compromise on the matter of early elections. And I welcome this agreement and congratulate all sides. Georgian elections have significant flaws. I would argue that the most damaging flaws do not really involve election day but occur prior. In particular, intimidation, abuse of state resources, and the unlevel playing field (financial support). Adjacent to elections is the longstanding problem of political interference (or perception of it) in the judiciary. These are challenges that are difficult to address through legislation and regulation and have colored Georgian elections for years, spanning different governments. There are some legislative and regulatory fixes that can be implemented, such as the reform of the composition of the EMB, complaints adjudication procedures and interpretation, and the handling of protocols, among others. However, I’m not sure elections – even after such fixes – would yield a different outcome. The deeper problems I’ve described give an extraordinary incumbency advantage. Take, for example, the fact that half of employed Georgians work for the state. And we’ve seen in Georgia, with a change in government, people losing their jobs. Not just political appointees, but bureaucrats and local officials as well. There is, thus, an incentive to keep your head down and vote for the government. Add to that intimidation, or even just "strong encouragement," that countless state employees—teachers, medical workers, etc.—have described. The point is that even with electoral reform and early elections, the playing field is tilted in a way that makes it challenging—not impossible, as we’ve seen in 2012—to see a political transition in Georgia. As to the question of whether the document will end the crisis, I guess it depends on how we define the crisis. It is without a doubt a positive development. It seems to indicate that the majority of elected MPs will take their seats in parliament. I also applaud the language about reconfiguring the balance of power within parliament. I worked with the Georgian parliament for years, and the minority’s rights are very limited. Having opposition chairpersonship, I would suggest more robust oversight provisions (with teeth) on budgetary matters. The Georgian legislative branch, however, is quite weak. I hope with some reforms – more legislative drafting (rather than rubber-stamping executive bills), intensive scrutiny, etc. – this can change and Parliament can serve as a more effective check. As I’ve said in other interviews on Georgia, I think the "crisis" of a political culture that is extremely polarized and views power as a zero-sum game may not be solved so quickly, although the April compromise is a good sign. There is no mentality of pluralism or power-sharing. Rather, the winning party must "destroy" its opponent, and anything short of this is weakness, and the loser must flee or even face prison. It creates incentives for the governing party to cling to power and use all the tools at its disposal to do so – courts, state resources, and state employees. The other "crisis" in Georgia, in my opinion, is that the Georgian people are dissatisfied with their government and, more concerning, with democracy. They dislike all the political parties, do not believe elected representatives serve citizens’ interests, and are not happy with the country’s direction. This indicates a more dangerous and simmering crisis in Georgian politics. ET: As the former head of NDI, considering the polls, you are well aware of the atmosphere in Georgia; according to the latest poll, 60% did not support the boycott, 45% were in favor of early voting, 45% were against it. In your estimation, what does the vote indicate? LT: The results are interesting. I think it is logical that the majority of Georgians would like to see parliament get to work on actually doing something on behalf of the country rather than being embroiled in political bickering. As for the even split between holding early elections or not, I reckon it is probably linked to political preferences. There may be a few who view early elections as a way out of the impasse. ET: Due to this crisis, many statements have been made that the international image of Georgia is being severely damaged and that the country's European aspirations would be threatened in case the parties fail to reach an agreement. Do you think that the country was able to avoid this threat and, ultimately, more or less maintain its image after reaching the agreement through the mediation of the European Union? LT: Georgia’s greatest asset is its democracy. It is what has earned the country's much-deserved attention and admiration from Western partners. In no small part because of the country’s location in a challenging region. The international community has really looked to Georgia as a beacon of hope. Thus, when democracy is backsliding, it is, of course, disappointing to the country’s partners. I think for sure there was a degree of frustration when the parties could not reach an agreement, particularly after all the investment and support were given. I think the agreement is certainly welcomed by Georgia’s friends and partners. But it is not a "free pass." And any backing away from the agreement will be viewed harshly. There is also still much work to be done to strengthen Georgia’s democratic institutions and processes and ensure that democracy actually delivers for everyday folks. ET: International partners have often pointed out that Russia was the only one to take advantage of this situation. In your opinion, how should the Biden Administration act against Russian aggression? For example, in an interview with us, General Ben Hodges mentioned that the Biden Administration should announce a comprehensive strategy for the greater Black Sea region that includes sustained and substantial diplomatic and economic efforts as well as military efforts to ensure security and stability in the region. LT: Indeed, the Kremlin delights in the failures of democracy, whether in Georgia or my country, the U.S. The aim is to sow distrust in democracy and create political chaos, and this task is made easier when the country is doing the damage on its own, even without the help of Russian disinformation and interference. The Biden Administration has taken several admirable steps recently to address Russian interference (in US elections, cyber-attacks, SolarWinds, etc.), but it is only a start. The U.S. needs to act in partnership with its European allies, as a "go it alone" approach will not be effective. Together, they must develop a comprehensive strategy—in addition to Hodges’ points—on cyberattacks, disinformation, malign finance, and economic coercion through more stringent sanctions. There also need to be consequences for developing issues, such as Navalny’s condition and recent actions in Ukraine. ET: Don't you think it's time for the West to take more effective steps, such as NATO expansion, given that Russia benefits from or is thought to be behind the entire crisis? LT: It’s certainly a possibility, and there is support within NATO for this approach. Georgia’s service and sacrifice to NATO in Afghanistan and elsewhere are deeply appreciated and recognized, and must not be forgotten. However, NATO enlargement will not solve Georgia’s internal political and democratic problems. In fact, the demonstration of strong internal democracy and governance is a prerequisite for membership, though some members are indeed falling short. While I have no doubt that the Kremlin benefits from dysfunction in Georgia – and exacerbates such divisions – Georgia itself has to take responsibility. Both challenges and solutions are not always external. I think too often there is a reliance on looking to others to solve the country’s problems. I believe in Georgia’s resilience and ability to strengthen its governance and democratic institutions.
Matthew Bryza believes that the signing of the agreement, which will hopefully end the country's political crisis, is really positive
In an exclusive interview with "Europe Time," Matthew Bryza, a former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, congratulated Georgia's leaders, both in government and opposition, on reaching an agreement yesterday that, if implemented, will hopefully end the country's political crisis. I was worried a few days ago when the EU made it clear in its public statement that they had lost patience with Georgia because Georgian political leaders were unable to resolve an internal dispute and it is not possible, in such circumstances, for Georgia to move any closer to membership in either the European Union or NATO for that matter. As we know, NATO is the alliance of democracy, and if democracy is not functioning, it can never join Nato. I think it is really good that the agreement was reached under the leadership of the European Union because the European Union is skilled at figuring out how to come up with a compromise among 27 member states who have to agree. So everybody has to compromise when there is decision-making in the European Council, for example. Compromise means nobody gets everything at once, but both sides get something, and that is what happened with this agreement. I think that it is great that the agreement calls for substantial electoral and political reforms, and if the government does not implement these issues, then we could return to a crisis. But for now, the commitment the government has made is important. Now the US and the EU will watch carefully. One more important point is that I do not believe that this agreement is a sign that the EU will be more active now or NATO will be more eager to accept Georgia as a member because of the political crisis. So now, some time is needed to fully implement the agreement by both the government and the opposition. Time is needed for the EU and NATO to see that Georgia's democracy is operating normally, "-Matthew Bryza said.
Ben Hodges: Biden Administration should announce a comprehensive strategy for the greater Black Sea region
Biden Administration should announce a comprehensive strategy for the greater Black Sea region that includes sustained and substantial diplomatic and economic efforts as well as military efforts to ensure security and stability in the region and development of prosperity and societal resilience for all Black Sea nations. This would include calling for immediate NATO membership for Georgia and MAP for Ukraine’, - the Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), Ben Hodges sees the move as a precautionary measure by the West against further Russian provocations. How should Ukraine and the West react to further provocations by Russia? What would be more effective US steps considering the current situation in the region, both in the South Caucasus and around the Black Sea countries? How should Georgia deal with the Russian disinformation campaign and its impact; and would the implementation of the Anaklia project be a concrete message of the Georgian government’s position as well as the position of the country? "Europetime’ spoke to a former commander of the United States Army Europe, the Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), Ben Hodges. _Dear General, we can see that the situation in Ukraine is deteriorating day by day. What is the response to the next provocations of Russia and how should Ukraine and the West act? I see three things that need to happen now, on top of the Sanctions that have been announced and the on-going military support (training and equipment): #1 Biden Administration, in coordination with our Allies (especially Germany, France, and UK), needs to continue to make it very clear that further Russian attacks are unacceptable and that protection of Ukrainian sovereignty is a priority for all of us. Germany and France have not been strong enough thus far in their condemnation of Kremlin actions so the Biden Administration has much work to do here; #2 Biden Administration should continue to support our Ukrainian partners with economic and military aide and increased intelligence-sharing, but encourage the UKR govt to use this opportunity to clean up any inefficiencies and corruption within Ukraine in order to build trust of the Ukrainian people in their own government and strengthen the societal resilience necessary to resist Kremlin disinformation efforts. I would include in this that the Rada should be give oversight and full transparency of the Defence budget of Ukraine; #3 Biden Administration should announce a comprehensive strategy for the greater Black Sea region that includes sustained and substantial diplomatic and economic efforts as well as military efforts to ensure security and stability in the region and development of prosperity and societal resilience for all Black Sea nations. This would include calling for immediate NATO membership for Georgia and MAP for Ukraine. _We have heard strict assessments and statements by the US administration and even from the first person regarding Russia. What steps would be more effective in the current situation in the region, both in the South Caucasus and around the Black Sea countries? #1 Germany and France have got to do more to put pressure on the Kremlin to live up to its international obligations with respect to the OSCE and transparency for exercises; #2 very publicly hold President Putin personally responsible for the health of Mr. Navalny; #3 Increased intelligence-sharing between USA, UKR, Romania and Georgia; #4 increased priority of the greater Black Sea region which means increased resources...especially sustained presence of US Navy in the Black Sea, within the parameters of the Montreux Convention; and #5 announce an annual exercise program that combines air, land, sea, and special forces exercises in the region each year. _In your previous interviews with our news agency, you have repeatedly stated that Russia recognizes only force and the slogan “don’t irritate Russia”, even at the expense of Georgia and Ukraine’s non-accession to NATO, etc. will only be a counterproductive action. We also know that Russia encourages internal strife and political crises in these countries. The majority of the citizens of Georgia, according to all polls, want Euro-Atlantic integration and strive for it. But taking into consideration the disinformation and anti-Western campaign carried out by Russia, as well as recent developments in Karabakh and the ongoing processes in Ukraine, don’t you think it’s time to move beyond the statements of the West and take more effective steps, like NATO enlargement? I think it is time for the people of Georgia and the government of Georgia to decide for themselves what they really want. Building a strong, resilient society that trusts its media and its government and its legal institutions and having a strong economy that unleashes the talent and potential of the amazing young people of Georgia is how Georgia can best resist Russian disinformation and corrupting influences. For sure, the United States can and will continue to look for ways to invest in the development of Georgia’s economy and infrastructure. But Georgians should ask whether or not their government is doing all it can to make that possible. At this point, I don’t think that is the case. Large businesses will be reluctant to invest in infrastructure projects if they don’t have confidence in the transparency of the transactions and the prevention of interference due to Kremlin influence or perhaps internal malign influence. _Turkey supported the issue of Ukraine's integration into NATO, making a similar statement regarding Georgia earlier. It is important for the West to ally with Turkey in the region, for Turkey - to increase its role as an independent player. The question is whether it is possible to align the interests and deepen cooperation in this case? We have got to fix the relationship between Turkey and the USA, rebuild trust, don’t let our relationship be defined by the S400 decision. It was a mistake for Turkey to buy S400 and I don’t excuse that. But Turkey is a long-time reliable Ally that understandably feels it is not appreciated or respected by the West or by the United States. Turkey is so important to NATO as well as to the USA. A Biden Administration strategy for the greater Black Sea region must include fixing this strategic relationship. It’s time for TUR-USA 2.0. But Turkey has to want it too. _ America is trying to pursue a coordinated policy with Europe in the region. At the meeting of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, the efforts of Europe under the leadership of Charles Michel to resolve the crisis in Georgia were assessed and supported. Dear General, is defusing crises the only way to solve the crisis or do we need more substantial settlement mechanisms given that Russia has always been viewed as the inciter of all internal conflicts which has always seized the opportunity to do so? Western Europeans consistently fail to hold the Kremlin accountable for its routine violations of international law, refusal to be transparent in its exercises, and refusal to allow the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to do its job in Ukraine. The Kremlin is frequently exposed for murder and espionage in Western European capitals. Yet it seems that business interests drive foreign policy in Berlin and Paris more than holding the Kremlin accountable. Until this stops, and President Putin is betting it won’t, then the Kremlin will exploit these gaps and weaknesses in the response of the West, especially since he believes that the USA can’t do it alone and that successive Administrations are more focused on China than Russia. _Do you think the implementation of the Anaklia project should to be on the agenda again? Will it be a concrete message of Georgia’s position and as well as its positioning? This is a good example of where the Georgian government said one thing about wanting western development and investment but in fact did little to make it a reality. The Anaklia project would be a game changer for the entire region, by opening up the east-west economic corridor between Europe and Eurasia. I hope the Biden Administration will put this on the agenda, as part of a broader strategy for the greater Black Sea region. But I hope that the Georgian government will put it on the agenda as well. So far, I think Kremlin influence has slowed the project - they don’t want to see Georgia become prosperous or for there to be a route between Eurasia and Europe that doesn’t go thru Russia. I also believe that forces inside Georgia, with significant political and business influence, also don’t want to see this project happen to be a competitor to Poti or Batumi. I think this is very narrow-minded. Georgia needs to think big about the entire nation becoming the portal between Europe and Eurasia and invite investment in infrastructure (ports, rail, pipelines, telecommunications, storage, and roads) to make it possible. _It was reported that the UK and on 11 September the US military contingent will completely leave Afghanistan. How do you assess this decision? I am relieved with this decision, although it causes me to feel melancholic, when I think of the lost lives and effort that have been invested there and the thousands of Afghans who have died there. I’m proud of what we have all done in Afghanistan over the past 20 years. I am proud of my own service as part of RC South in Kandahar 2009-2010. We, the coalition, including Georgia, accomplished the mission, for two decades, of making sure that Afghanistan could not be the launching pad for terrorist attacks on the United States or our Allies and Partners. We improved life for thousands of women and children in Afghanistan. We gave the Afghans the best possible chance, at huge expenditure of lives and treasure, to create a better life and government for themselves. But no US Administration (Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden) was willing to do all that was necessary to force Pakistan to deny safe haven to the Taliban or AQ. So long as that remained the situation, then we would never “win”. I don’t think we should continue to send our young Women and Men to Afghanistan in such a situation. We do need to maintain a presence there for counter-terrorism and to provide normal type support to the Afghan government and people as we do in many other trouble spots around the World. And we should offer immediate immigration from Afghanistan to a country of choice for any Afghans who supported the Coalition as interpreters or employees or who will be particularly threatened by a resurgent Taliban in the coming years. But I agree with President Biden...it is time for this mission to end.
