2016-05-25
Vicious killing of 30-year-old man that happened several days ago is an absolutely appalling fact. Occupant country - Russian Federation has to be held liable for this brutality, - Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili noted in his response to the question posed within the frames of the Georgian Defence and Security Conference.
The head of the government indicated that the state has been drawing the attention of the international community and its partners to the grave humanitarian condition and security-related problems in the occupied territory. However the situation remains unaltered.
"Today I visited the family and mother of the victim. It is hard to say anything to these people, since they were victimized by the overriding situation. The security challenges are the outcome of active involvement of the Russian Federation. Hence, above all, we expect Russian Federation and then de facto authorities of Abkhazia to take relevant measures. Regrettably, we have not obtained reasonable response till this very moment, - Prime Minister declared.
According to the Prime Minister, the perpetrators of such atrocious crimes aim at undermining the importance of the confidence building process between Abkhazians and Georgians as well as South Ossetians and Georgians.
However, Prime Minister brought to the fore that the government will be consistent in implementation of the peaceful policy. Peaceful resolution of the conflict is a sole alternative.
"In this context, active engagement of the international community is crucial, since Georgian side encounters certain hurdles in the confidence building process, including limitation of right to obtain education in Georgian for ethnic Georgians; moving the occupation lines deeper into Georgia and drawing them amid the gardens of farmers in Gori region. We cannot respond to the disturbing events - with support of our partners we employ the peaceful policy that eliminates possibility of resort to force. Warming of relations that have been deteriorated throughout the past decades is only possible through consistent and peaceful policy. We have to ignore provocations, however, we have to firmly demand relevant response to this fact from the Russian Federation, de facto Abkhazian authorities and international community," - Giorgi Kvirikashvili remarked.
Prime Minister also responded to the question concerning his expectations for the NATO Warsaw Summit and noted that Georgian are believers and have a firm belief in the brighter future.
"Georgia faces challenges similar to those encountered by the other countries within the region, NATO member states and allies. These hurdles are complex and diverse. Overcoming a hurdle is only possible through solidarity and unity not only among the member states of the Alliance but among its partners as well. Georgia has been diligently and consistently following the route of European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Such commitment is generated by the fact that throughout the recent history NATO has proved to be an only international community that brings stability and security to its member states. Georgia not only benefits from, but also created security guarantees throughout NATO member-states and allies as well as in countries where intervention is essential," - Prime Minister indicated.
Pursuant to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, the second motivation for accession to NATO lies within the fact that the Alliance is not only a military community, but it is a group of states that respect the cornerstone principles of rule of law and protection of human rights.
"Not only the final result of accession to NATO, but the process of achieving this goal is important to us. The country is constantly developing. Important legislative, institutional changes, military reforms are being implemented. We do not consider ourselves as former Soviet state, rather, we are a democratic country that is becoming closer to the European standards. There is much room for improvement, however the genera development trend is positive. Tomorrow Georgia marks 25th anniversary of reclaiming independence and we proud ourselves of the fact that notwithstanding challenges we have not diverted from our positive goals. The Government and opposition, major portion of community unilaterally agree on these goals. We hope that we will be given an opportunity to realize them. Consistency and commitment to the goal are what matter," - Giorgi Kvirikashvili noted.
The head of the government also elaborated on the 4-point reform plan. Pursuant to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, the reform package is multidimensional and aims at establishing of rule of law.
"Within the frames of the two waves of the judicial reform the Parliament has already approved the important legislative amendments initiated by the government. Moreover, law enforcement agencies have also been modified - large portion of the functions of previously virtually omnipotent Ministry of Interior have been transferred to the Security Service. The Prosecutor's Office has also been reformed - the chief Prosecutor is reports to the government and the Parliament simultaneously. This has increased his accountability tremendously. However, we are still facing many challenges and hence third wave of the reforms has been submitted to the Parliament for the review," - Prime Minister indicated and noted that throughout the reform process, the government holds consultations with the international partners, civil sector and NGOs.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili spoke of ratings by different international organization, including the World Bank and Freedom House, which confirm Georgia's progress in this field. According to the Prime Minister, only a few years ago the judiciary was subordinated to the Office of the Chief Prosecutor. Today, however, prosecutors no longer run Georgian courts. In addition, the number of acquittals has grown lately.
"Of course, we have yet to achieve significant results, but still I am proud of our progress and the general trend we see today.
Our military reform absolutely must be mentioned at the Defense and Security Conference, along with the Noble Partner joint trainings with the United States and the United Kingdom and Georgia's excellent interoperability with NATO as clear illustrations of the reform's success," the Prime Minister emphasized.
The Head of Georgian Government also discussed economic reform, an important component of the government's four-point reform agenda.
According to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, in January 2017 reinvested profits will be no longed taxed. In addition, revolutionary legislative amendments have been adopted to further simplify tax administration. Tax agencies are prohibited from seizing assets without a court order, and tax inspectors are given limited deadlines to conduct inspections.
"Next year, we plan to launch pension and capital market reforms. A mechanism has been developed to support startup businesses for innovative young people. The concept of a front office has also been developed to make public services more customer-oriented. A network of Public Service Hall, the most important achievement that should be credited to the previous government, provides individuals over 400 types of services. This achievement by previous government is truly amazing. However, must point out that the final years of their rule were nothing but a disaster," the Prime Minister said, adding that his cabinet recognizes the achievements of the previous government and improves fields that remain problematic.
According to the Prime Minister, it is also planned to introduce one-stop facilities to provide services to legal entities.
"This will have an impact on the size of the government. We will be able to move back offices to the suburbs. This reform also changes our concept of governance and offers opportunities to hold consultations concerning legislative and other amendments. Our business environment, after consultations with the Investment Council and leaders of NGOs, will become more predictable," Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated.
According to the Prime Minister's assessment, the fourth core reform on the agenda involves the fundamental replacement of the Soviet-style system of education. Namely, branches of education will be financed according to the requirements of the labor market, and a dual vocational education system will be introduced.
"Instead of altering, these reforms reinforce the European DNA of the Georgian nation. Georgia is a European country with European institutions, adequate legislation, and robust human rights institutions," the Prime Minister emphasized.
Prime Minister's Press Office