Parliamentary opposition parties and independent MPs on Monday released a joint statement, pledging that implementing EC recommendations, becoming an EU candidate and joining the EU is Georgia’s “historical chance and primary task.”

In a lengthy statement, opposition parties – Strategy Aghmashenebeli, United National Movement, Lelo, Republican Party, as well as independent MPs Tamar Kordzaia, Tako Charkviani, Armaz Akhvlediani, Shalva Shavgulidze, and Nato Chkheidze, vow to be ready to take responsibility for their initiatives and back all the initiatives needed to fulfil the EC-outlined 12 points.

The said parties and MPs lambasted the Parliament for sealing off its doors and rebuffed their request to hold an extraordinary session to duly kick off working on the action plan for the 12 points.

“After that, we had to work independently to prepare the necessary initiatives. The process was conducted inclusively, with extensive involvement of NGOs, in contrast to the government-led one-party, non-transparent and non-inclusive process.

We prepared the appropriate legislative initiatives and solutions required for implementing the European recommendations. Most of the initiatives are in line with the NGO’s stance and comply with the recommendations and conclusions of the European Commission, Venice Commission, OSCE/ODIHR and other international organizations,” the statement reads.

The opposition parties and MPs said they would publicise the document the next week and table it to Parliament by the end of September.