2019-04-10
Georgia's accession to the Council of Europe 20 years ago was a new chapter in Georgian history, and I am convinced we have many successful chapters ahead on the path of European integration, Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze told the press today in Strasbourg.
The Head of Government, in summarizing his speech at the PACE session today, pointed out that the Georgian side had an opportunity to inform the international community about Georgia's achievements and challenges.
"We had an opportunity to speak about the reforms that have helped us in consolidating Georgia's democracy, empowering institutions, and alignment with European standards. We also discussed our upcoming reforms. I also elaborated on our most painful challenge related to Russian occupation. The Russian Federation continues its occupation of 20% of our territories. We have serious human rights challenges, and a humanitarian catastrophe, in both regions, and I had an opportunity to use this podium to provide our European friends with correct and precise information about the dire state of affairs-about this humanitarian catastrophe-in the occupied territories, along with the peace initiative we are implementing," Mamuka Bakhtadze said.
According to the Prime Minister, in late 2019, Georgia will assume chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which is both an enormous responsibility and the recognition of Georgia's reforms.
"In late 2019, we are assuming chairmanship. It is an immense responsibility and, at the same time, the recognition of our reforms. It also recognizes that the reforms to be implemented by us will prove equally successful, and that Georgia will continue its progress toward Europe," Mamuka Bakhtadze stated.
Prime Minister's Press Office