“My single most important message to all political parties in Georgia is that the full implementation of the April 19 Agreement remains the best guarantee to advance Georgia’s democratic agenda in the interest of the country’s citizens,” said European Council President Charles Michel following his meetings with President Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Garibashvili and leaders of Georgia’s parliamentary opposition parties on Monday.
The latest developments in Georgia and the implementation of the 19 April Agreement were in focus, Charles Michel stated.
“Determined progress in consolidating the rule of law through political and judicial reforms is of particular importance. Judicial reform is a core part of the 19 April Agreement and a condition for the disbursement of EU macro-financial assistance to Georgia. The recent fast-track confirmation of Supreme Court judges did not fully reflect the results of consultations with international and domestic stakeholders. This was clearly a missed opportunity,” Charles Michel underscored.
European Council President stressed in all his meetings today the central role fundamental rights and freedoms play in our EU-Georgia relations.
“Rights of minorities are not a marginal issue – respect for diversity and human dignity are essential to our fundamental values. The constitutional rights to freedoms of expression, press and assembly must be upheld,” he said.
Charles Michel also urged remaining political parties to sign the paper. “I was pleased that all signatories of the Agreement remain committed to its full implementation and to developing a more inclusive, united way forward among all political forces in the country. I call on those who have not yet signed to do so,” he added.
The implementation of the 19 April Agreement, in both the letter and spirit and in good faith, remains the best guarantee to advance Georgia’s ?? democratic agenda in the interest of the country’s citizens. pic.twitter.com/VM0bnKkBFO
— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) July 19, 2021
European Council President arrived in the Georgian coastal city of Batumi on Sunday to attend the 2021 Batumi International Conference together with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and Moldovan President Maia Sandu.
Enhanced cooperation between the three associated partners of the European Union – Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova is the main topic of this year’s conference.
Today MFA of ?? & @DZalkaliani are hosting #BatumiConference2021 W the participation of the Presidents of ?????? @Zourabichvili_S @sandumaiamd @ZelenskyyUa @eucopresident & @GharibashviliGe. Event will provide strategic platform to address #AssociatedTrio and the ??-integration!
— MFA of Georgia (@MFAgovge) July 19, 2021
