2016-07-01
25th annual session of the Organization for Security and Cooperation of Europe Parliamentary Assembly is taking place in Tbilisi. The event is attended by more than 700 delegates from various countries. The Prime Minister addressed participants of the event. He assessed the importance of international political event and expressed hope that the processes taking place in Georgia will be in the spotlight of the OSCE PA.
"This year, we are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Georgia regaining its independence and it is symbolic that Georgia is hosting the 25th Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. We truly appreciate the format of the Parliamentary Assembly and its contribution to the work of the OSCE in general. It is especially important that Georgia's current state of affairs is in the spotlight of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's attention.
As you know, soon after regaining the independence, Georgia became the OSCE participating state, actively engaging in cooperation with the organization on economic development, promotion of democratic values, and respect for human rights,"- Prime Minister noted.
According to him, traditionally, the OSCE has been an important forum that takes decisions important to our country. Giorgi Kvirikashvili considers that in a view of existing challenges and security issues, Europe needs a strong and resolute OSCE, which fosters comprehensive, indivisible and cooperative approach to security.
"This is valid for the situation in Georgia as well. Today, despite conflict in our territories, no OSCE mission operates in Georgia. I am sure that you agree that it is totally unacceptable.
In addition, OSCE area, and the South Caucasus in particular, is deprived of an international mechanism to restrict arming. Consequently, we have an uncontrolled growth in armament in the South Caucasus.
Stabilization and averting further complications is only possible through the engagement of international mechanisms, chiefly the OSCE," - Prime Minister noted.
From the platform of the session of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly the head of the Government expressed condolences to the people of Turkey and elaborated on the importance of unity. Pursuant to him, Georgia, for years, has stood by the free world in its fight against terrorism. Georgia has proved through actions that it remains the reliable partner to the EU in promoting security and stability worldwide.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili elaborated on the role of the EU and expressed his regret about the decision of the United Kingdom. Pursuant to him, European project of peace and cooperation has no alternative, and it is destined to continue.
"The European Union is the most important and strong political and economic alliance. I am convinced that despite today's significant difficulties, meaning the recent decision of the Great Britain, the European Union will surely continue to grow in strength and unity. I respect the choice of the British people, though I certainly I feel regretful about their decision," - Prime Minister stated.
Prime Minister indicated that today, on the 1st of July, the Association Agreement entered into force. With this, Georgia is opening a qualitatively new era of the EU-Georgia relationship, which has vital importance to Georgia. According to him, Visa Liberalization is an issue of high priority in our cooperation agenda with the EU. "Membership of the European family is a conscious choice of the Georgian people, because we realize that this is what puts us on the sure path to democracy, security, peace, and prosperity, and this is what makes Georgian the regional leader.
Visa Liberalization is an issue of high priority in our cooperation agenda with the EU. The expectations are very high in Georgia. Granting visa free travel regime to the citizens of Georgia will clearly demonstrate that European choice delivers concrete tangible benefits. It will contribute to deepening people-to-people contacts and strengthening ties in business, culture, education, science, student exchange and civil society partnerships. At the same time, the openness of the EU and Georgia societies and enhanced mobility will greatly contribute to exchange of European values and ideas, which is so important to our country. This is exactly why we hope that hope the Visa Liberalisation process will be successfully completed in the near future," - Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili also addressed the challenges facing Georgia and underlined that Georgian territories are occupied. According to him, since 2012, the Government of Georgia has been seeking the de-escalation and normalization of relations with the Russian Federation. Georgian-Russian trade and economic relations have been restored, certain humanitarian issues are addressed. Pursuant to the Prime Minister, unfortunately, despite Georgia's pragmatic policy, country is facing serious threats along the Abkhazian and South Ossetian occupation line. The ongoing installation of artificial barriers and the militarization of the occupied regions further distances people and undermines the prospects of peaceful conflict resolution.
Prime Minister of Georgia elaborated on the homicide of Giga Otkhozoria.
"The severity of the human rights and humanitarian situation in the occupied territories has been once again exposed by a brutal murder of an unarmed Georgian citizen, Giga Otkhozoria, in the village of Khurcha, on the territory controlled by the central government of Georgia.
This incident poses serious threat not only to Georgia, but to the region and Europe as a whole. These challenges and risks call for new visions and approaches," - Prime Minister stated.
By the end of his speech, Giorgi Kvirikashvili emphasized that government has achieved impressive results with its reform agenda to consolidate democracy and lay the foundations for sustainable development. He expressed hope that the OSCE, together with its autonomous institutions, and the OSCE PA are Georgia's stalwart partners in this process. Prime Minister considers that the Georgian Government is determined to hold transparent, free and fair parliamentary elections in 2016, in doing which Government will once again prove progress on the path to democracy.
"The Georgian Government is determined to hold transparent, free and fair parliamentary elections, in doing which we will once again prove our progress on the path to democracy. This year we have already extended invitations to even more countries and international organizations to monitor the elections.
We hope that the OSCE PA, as one of the most reputable and competent monitoring missions, will be duly represented this year in Georgia, together with other democratic institutions and the ODIHR. We are ready to accept a many observers as possible to ensure the transparency of our electoral process. I can assure you that this is a matter of our Government's prestige and honor, and ultimately a test of our country's democracy. And I am convinced that we will pass this test with flying colors,"- Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated.
The opening ceremony of 25th session of OSCE PA was attended by the President of Georgia, Parliament Speaker, Foreign Minister of German Federation, US Congress delegation, speakers and vice speakers as well as legislators of Parliaments of various countries.
Prime Minister's Press Office