Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has addressed the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva.

Below is his speech as delivered:

“Excellencies,

Fellow Speakers,

Georgia, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, sits in the region marked with tensions and instability, facing persistent challenges to peace. Despite the experience of war and occupation, we have chosen the path of peace, reform, democratic development, and innovation.

Georgian government remains committed to restoring Georgia’s territorial integrity through peaceful means only, focusing on reconciliation and engagement between the war-torn communities. Peace initiatives gradually lay the foundation for trust – the first ingredient of peace.

We believe that strong democratic institutions are important safeguards against instability.

Sadly, nowadays, threats to peace include not only wars and conflicts, but serious challenges stemming from disrespect towards the sovereignty of nations, and interference in their internal affairs.

In Georgia, we have seen the results of the lack of transparency about foreign funds that sought to implant foreign interests into political parties and the NGOs, promoting unrest and violence.

Democratic peace is the one that lasts. It shall be based on transparency, accountability and justice. Peace rests not only on the absence of military conflicts but on respecting sovereignty of nations, their national interests, culture and traditions.

Paradoxically, traditional values such as sovereignty, independence, and democracy are the greatest innovation these days.

I reaffirm our commitment to working with all of you on every initiative aimed at crafting a future where peace, sovereignty and democracy represent a shared and appreciated reality.

Thank you.”