2016-07-08
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has signed a joint address of Georgia's parliamentary parties to the Warsaw Summit, in which the signatory parties confirm that, notwithstanding significant political differences and divisions between them, the country's political spectrum comes together in support of Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration.
The parties appeal to the NATO member states to support and encourage Georgia's NATO membership aspirations.
It is important, the Prime Minister believes, that, despite difference of opinions on various issues, a consensus has been reached on this particular topic.
"The signatory parliamentary parties of Georgia have had substantial internal policy disagreements. Nonetheless, we are in agreement on one principle: Georgia is a sovereign and independent state, and the Georgian people are committed to building a European democracy that enshrines freedom and economic opportunities and aspires to achieving full integration in Euro-Atlantic institutions. Georgia is poised to play an important role in the collective security, democracy, and prosperity of the Euro-Atlantic community. We recognize the extraordinary regional challenges facing Georgia. Our country is partially occupied by Russia which has recognized the regions under its control as independent states.
As a result of Russia's aggression in Georgia over the past 25 years, and its military intervention in 2008, we have hundreds of thousands of IDPs. Our region is plagued by territorial disputes and armed conflicts in nearby areas. At the same time, our location is also vital as a logistics and energy corridor connecting the West and the East. We have no control over our neighbors' actions, therefore we should not be held hostage to their actions. As Georgian citizens, we uphold the principles of good neighborly relations, free and open trade, dialogue, and peaceful dispute resolution. However, we are committed to defending Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We aspire to achieving accession to the Euro-Atlantic community and to receiving full support from our partners on our path to integration in EU and NATO institutions," the declaration reads.
The document is signed by Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili, President Giorgi Margvelashvili, and Speaker of the Parliament Davit Usupashvili, Georgian Dream, Republicans, Conservators, National Forum, Free Democrats, and United National Movement.