Georgian Way to Europe in the Retrospect of the August War.
The address of Tomasz Pojar within the IV International Conference for “European Way of Georgia - Implementation of the European Neighborhood Policy” in Tbilisi “Sheraton Metekhi Palace” hotel was highly expected, as he represented the country that presides in the EU currently. And the comments of Pojar on “Georgia’s expectations” were symbolic to some extent.
Georgian Way to Europe in the Retrospect of the August War.
The address of Tomasz Pojar within the IV International Conference for “European Way of Georgia - Implementation of the European Neighborhood Policy” in Tbilisi “Sheraton Metekhi Palace” hotel was highly expected, as he represented the country that presides in the EU currently. And the comments of Pojar on “Georgia’s expectations” were symbolic to some extent.
Most Georgian representatives to the conference gave special attention to the expectations of radical changes of the situation that the country has been overgoing through since August. And these expectations are greatly connected with the EU position.
The participants of the conference discussed the issues of conflicts peaceful settlement, democratic and economic reforms and Georgian integration into Euro-Atlantic bodies. But this time these issues were observed with the reference to the August war in Georgia.
The Prime Minister of Georgia Nika Gilauri noted that European integration was the priority for the Government and emphasized the political consequences of the Kremlin aggression towards Georgia. Russia occupied a significant part of Georgian lands, recognized their independence illegitimately and unilaterally, doesn’t follow the “Medvedev-Sarkozy” agreement, promotes ethnic cleansings and locates military bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The hope remains for international community actions.
According to Giorgi Baramidze, the State Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration, the August war has promoted Georgian “attraction to Europe”. The movement will be performed within the strategy of “Eastern Partnership” that includes also Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus.
The partnership involves the future establishment of the area of free trade between these countries and the EU, the cooperation in the sphere of energy security and visa relaxation. But after the war Georgia insists on amending the neighborhood initiative plan. Particularly, the EU observers should gain police functions within conflict areas, says Gia Baramidze.
The Head of the Provisional Administration in South Ossetia Dmitry Sanakoyev stated that the August war plan hadn’t been accomplished, as Georgia wasn’t deprived of its statehood and sovereignty. The gravest present mistake is to think that the war threat has disappeared after the occupation.
“I declare responsibly – according to my information, another invasion to Georgia is being prepared within the territory of South Ossetia”, - stated Dmitry Sanakoyev.
Malkhaz Akishbaia the Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia suggested all to watch the movie, narrating about the process of habitation of rural areas of Kodori Gorge before August and specified the terrible situation in which people appeared to be now, as well as the people of Gali district, today – refugees, forced passportization, the ban of education process in Georgian language, limitation of migration.
And what was the respond to these fears? I’ve already cited the comments of Tomasz Pojar, the Vice Minister of International Affairs of the Czech Republic.
The head of the EU Observers Mission, the ambassador Hansjörg Haber stated that “Russia has fulfilled a part of its liabilities under the Medvedev-Sarkozy agreement by October 12th”.
And now we are “knocking to all the doors”, he said.
According to his words, the mission tries to promote amongall the parties the essence of the fundamental principle, that it follows – its mandate should overwhelm the whole territory of Georgia, including Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The security should be assured within the both sides of the administrative boundaries.
As for the neighborhood initiative. As specified, “in general” Georgia accomplished its 2008 plan. And now the plan for 2009 is being developed.
Reforms within this plan in Georgia are performed “for the benefit of Georgian people to promote their well-being”, said Gia Baramidze.
According to the head of the EU mission to Georgia Per Eklund, currently the Mission assesses accomplishment of the “Neighborhood initiatives” plans by Georgia: in the sphere of security, human rights, legislation, financial stability, energy, trade, transport, environment, etc.
This is a starting point, he specifies. We should clearly evaluate the current situation in Georgia. The EU will publish its report basing on the results of assessment. Bilateral negotiations will be held in March, and the decision on “closer integration” will be adopted in May.
For Nika Gilauri it’s important that soon Georgia and the EU will start talks on free trade agreement and visa relaxation. He marked the “Nabucco” project as a priority for Georgia and the European Union.
This is a strategic project, added Nika Gilauri.
Last year the agreement with the EU expired. In the framework of this agreement Georgia gained preferential export conditions within the preferential scheme "GSP+". After fulfillment of demanded terms by Georgia a new agreement was concluded for 2009 - 2011.
Up to seven types of Georgian goods are covered by this agreement.
However, Lasha Zhvania the Georgian Minister for Economic Development reminded with regret that there are only 4-5% Internet-users in the country. That is why this effective channel of cooperation with European partners and the channel of penetration to the European markets is hardly used.
Translated from www.pankisi.info
