2021-07-07
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili
"Let me greet and welcome the EU Commissioner, hereby expressing my gratitude for his visit today. It is a very clear evidence of support demonstrated to our country. Mr. Varhelyi is an ardent supporter of our country - a strong supporter and aficionado. I want to thank him for every effort made for making our country European on the way of our democratization.
Of course, we had a very productive meeting today. We reviewed a wide spectrum of topics that exist in the agenda of our country and EU.
You may well be aware that the main document, which defines European transformation and democratization of our country, is the one we signed seven years ago. It is the EU-Georgia Association Agreement (AA), along with the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). It has given rise to specific, tangible results to our country and - what is most important - to our people.
I wish to hereby remind our population about a specific, tangible achievement, which is a visa-free travel arrangement granted to our citizens. Up until 2016-2017 our citizens required a visa to travel to Europe, but it has been some years that our people travel to EU member states without a visa. This primarily means trust, which was declared by the EU to us, our country and predominantly to our people, because our people and we meet the standards that were and are required by the EU.
This is one. Besides, our Government did its best to deliver on our promises, which has led to this fabulous achievement.
Next topic I wish to single out is the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which allows our entrepreneurs, our businesses to export the Georgian produce to a huge consumer market of the EU, without any barriers. For some years already the EU has become a top trading partner of Georgia and we will of course further enhance this process to make sure that more Georgian entrepreneurs export their local produce to the EU market. Our main goal should be to fully use and benefit from all the possibilities that were granted to us through the Association Agreement.
I also want to tell you that we of course highly value the engagement of the EU Commissioner within the scope of Eastern Partnership (EaP). We did review the topics of cooperation and the EU Commissioner will announce today the utterly significant decisions made by the EU. They are profoundly important for our country, our future.
We have also touched upon the situation in the region, of course. We did refer to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and its further resolution. Also, I shared information with the EU Commissioned on my recent engagement in the process with our neighboring nations - our friendly nations - Azerbaijan and Armenia. You may well be aware that with our engagement 15 servicemen were released and Armenia handed mine maps to Azerbaijan, which was a significant precedent that we made happen together. Georgia acted as a mediator in the conflict resolution.
Of course, we discussed the occupation as well, which is a huge burden and a heavy challenge for our citizens. Russia should honor its commitments and withdraw its troops from our territories.
So, I once again wish to confirm that our country - the absolute majority of our population - almost 80% supports the European integration of our country.
Mr. Commissioner, the decision made by our Government and our team was to amend the Constitution of Georgia and define the foreign policy of our country in it. We all agreed that foreign policy of our country is the Euro-Atlantic integration, which is irreversible, which will not be revisited or altered.
Of course, we understand it well that this process in a country, which is still a young democracy, tends to face a number of permanent, constant challenges. However, it does not scare us at all, because we understand it well and strongly believe that we will be successful on this path. We are confident that we will become a fully-fledged member of the EU one day.
Once again, let me thank and give floor to you now."
Oliver Varhelyi, European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement
"Dear Prime Minister, Dear Friends, first of all I am very happy to be here in Tbilisi, Georgia. This is my first visit to your beautiful country and also to the region. I must admit that I felt a very privileged partnership this country has with the European Union. As you all know, the last year has been extremely difficult for all of us. We have all been fighting the COVID pandemic and we still do. However, Georgia also had to face a political polarization and a political crisis. We have helped to overcome these difficulties and I hope that these problems are a thing of the past and I also hope that we can now start to focus on the recovery from COVID crisis.
As you have seen, the EU stands by your side. We have been extremely proud to provide assistance last year. We have helped to preserve over 400 000 jobs. We provided support to 78 000 families in Georgia and we have raised a number of intensive care unit beds to over 1400. But I do hope that it is a thing of the past by now. And we can now the next phase of our cooperation in overcoming the aftermath of the crisis.
Just a few days ago, on July 2 - basically last Friday - we presented a very ambitious Economic and Investment Plan for the entire region of the Eastern Partnership countries. We are dedicated to mobilize at least 17 billion Euros for the economic recovery of the region. Out of this we will have 2.3 billion Euros in grants and the rest would be projects put together - investments put together with our financial partners like EIB or EBRD. Our aim is to contribute, to help the economic recovery, also the social recovery after the COVID crisis and to help Georgia to build a more resilient, stronger economy after the crisis. In this we have been working together with the Georgian Government - the previous government, this government - to find priorities, the main challenges in front of the country. And the five flagship initiatives that you see put forward and tailor-made for Georgia are the fruits of this cooperation. We don't want to offer anything you don't need, but only what you need. And discussing with you, we have found that the main bottleneck and the main vulnerability of the economy and the society of Georgia is the lack of connectivity, be it rails and roads, be it unused potential of the Black Sea, be it connectivity to mainland, electricity and internet broadband. All these have a major potential to boost the economy of Georgia and to shift it into another dimension. It is for that reason that we have put forward a plan that would address connectivity, would help to create the fine fabric of the economy by supporting SMEs, the local communities, improve access to digital services via broadband internet throughout the country, and also to introduce Georgia to our Green Deal and our digital plans. And maybe Georgia can skip some of the development stages we are through and join us immediately where we are now.
This plan dedicated to Georgia should bring at least 3.9 billion Euros of investments. It reaches almost one third of the peacetime GDP of the country - pre-crisis GDP of the country. This is a meaningful, big package, but it is a huge task to implement it. This is a possibility, but we will have to work together very hard to make it happen.
So, we discussed with the Prime Minister that we need strong structures in Georgia who are able to deliver. We think that these projects are capable of delivering change on the ground for the people. In four to five years from now the realities on the ground for the people, who want to make business, who want to trade, who want to get a job, who want to get the right skills, is going to be very much different - very much more like what we have in our own member states.
And thirdly, I am very pleased about the meeting I had with your Members of Parliament. We see that the boycott is over and Members of Parliament are back to where they belong - in the Parliament - where political debates take place. Now we need all political parties to work for the implementation of the agreement. All should sign the agreement. We need everybody.
I am also pleased to know that there is important progress on electoral reform. I would also like to see progress on judicial reform and the appointment of the Supreme Court judges.
And finally, I have to say a couple of words about the events that have taken place yesterday and the day before. We have discussed this with the Prime Minister and I think I also speak on his behalf when I say that there is no place for violence, there is nothing coming out of violence, nothing ever will. Freedom of expression unhindered by violence or any discrimination needs to be done away with. All must enjoy the right of reunion, freedom of expression. Therefore, we want everybody to respect this. Therefore, we want to see how the procedures are going on. I understand from the Prime Minister that proceedings are ongoing and of course I was also very pleased to be able to go to the Parliament this morning seeing that the European flag is where it belongs. Thank you."
Irakli Garibashvili
Mister Commissioner, above all else, on behalf of our Government, our people, and myself, I would like to express sincere gratitude to you for delivering this assistance package, 3.9 billion euro consisting of 1.175 billion euro in grants and the rest of a loan-this is the most concrete, tangible thing our country and people could receive from the EU. I would like to thank you for that, and I would like to reaffirm my own and my Government's full commitment to starting to work, starting this coming Monday, on the projects listed by you, such as connectivity, transport, energy, SME, agricultural development, and other projects, also those seeking to revive our country's economy in general. All of that will ultimately bring prosperity to our population, more development, and empowerment for our country. Thank you once again for that!
As for the unpleasant facts of violence mentioned by you, I have of course denounced them publicly, Mister Commissioner. Violence in any form is totally unacceptable, especially against journalists-this something unheard of, and it does not serve the interests of the Government or the Church, or of our people and country. Unfortunately, it only can serve the interests of an enemy country or some destructive opposition forces in general. Of course, we will investigate these cases. The police have started detaining violent perpetrators. Yesterday, there were similar facts, and the police detained 100 persons on the spot. We will, of course, get to the bottom of these facts. Our country's path to the EU is irreversible. And some provocative groups will try to undermine our country on this path. But that cannot stop us. We will overcome these provocations and reach our great common goal of our country's EU membership.
We are a nation with a great ancient culture and civilization. Needless to say, it is wrong to generalize individual facts of violence. It does not mean that this is the Georgian people's way. Violence perpetrated by a few provocateurs will be stopped and investigated, and they will be punished accordingly. This is the way it happens elsewhere in Europe and America, everywhere where the police protect the rule of law, and we will do the same.
Let me remind you that, under me as Prime Minister in 2014, we, to eliminate all forms of discrimination, adopted the Anti-Discrimination Law. At the same time, taking into account our traditions and culture, and our population's interests, we also adopted a constitutional definition of marriage, which is a totally different issue. And no discrimination of people of different lifestyles and worldviews exists in our country today. Everyone is protected by the law and the Constitution, and it will never change. That is guaranteed by our Constitution and legislation. We the Government will execute this law. So, once again, I would like to explain for you and our population that generalizing isolated incidents is wrong. That does not serve our interests. Life goes on. And, as you mentioned earlier, the EU flag is once again flying in front of the Parliament, and it never cease to fly.
Rustavi 2, Mirian Gorgodze: Greetings, Gentlemen! Firstly, I would like to ask Mister Commissioner about Georgia's Euro-Atlantic prospects. How realistic is in your opinion for Georgia to apply for EU membership in 2024? I am asking this question in light of the events unfolding in Tbilisi's streets over the past couple of days. How do such events impact Georgia's European future in general?
Oliver Varhelyi
On the EU prospects for Georgia, it is a choice to be made by Georgia. As you know, there is a very clear procedure for applying for EU membership. When a country opts to put such a bid on the table, it has to be substantiated, because the country must demonstrate that it is capable of coping with all the requirements and obligations of membership. I also know this passage from the Constitution of Georgia that the final goal for Georgia is to join the EU. This is why a similar passage is found in the DCFTA Agreement, one about the commitment of Georgia to the European path. The best way to advance on this path is through the implementation of the current arrangements that we have. Because it is through this that you can prove every day, by delivering on all the commitments you have there, that you are serious about this commitment. Therefore, we think that there is still a lot to be done under the current arrangements that we have to bring Georgia closer to Europe. This economic investment plan, I hope, will help you to accelerate the economic and social integration of your economy and society with ours.
Irakli Garibashvili
Mister Commissioner, your initiative to allocate 3.9 billion euro to Georgia is a perfect match for our Government's plans and initiatives concerning the vision of the country's long-term development. Presently, we are working on long-term development plans in every sector, what our country should be like, and how it can become a genuine European state. We will make full use of these opportunities.
Imedi TV, Levan Pochkhua: Greetings! I have a question for Mister Commissioner. The vast majority of Georgia's population supports Georgia's becoming a full member of the European family. What messages in this regard have you brought to Georgia? And what would you say to Georgia's population?
Oliver Varhelyi
We are very happy about the fact that the EU enjoys very broad popular support. On our side, we work not only to maintain this support, but also to increase it. And this is why I came very early on-almost the first working day after the package was adopted-to bring this this news here. We reinforce the message and our engagement with Georgia. Because I think what you are delivering with this package, together with the reforms that must continue, should help the people on the ground. We would like to be very much relevant for the everyday lives of the Georgian people. We want to help to develop and evolve the everyday lives of the Georgian people. And I think with this plan, we will be able to.
Radio Liberty, Ani Burduli: I have a question for Mister Commissioner. What else can the EU do to empower institutions to ensure against the events of July 5-6 repeated? Because, besides the attacks against journalists not being isolated incidents-but in reality, it was a mass attack-there were also anti-Western acts.
Oliver Varhelyi
If there is one thing I have learned about Georgia, and in Georgia, is that this is the nation that has fought for thousands of years for its independence and freedom. The people of Georgia know perfectly the value and price of freedom, independence, and liberty. And we want to help Georgia to preserve that and also to ensure this to everybody in the country. This is why all the reforms related to the rule of law are fundamental to our cooperation. We have discussed it with MPs and the Prime Minister. And we need to press ahead. We have a long list of what needs to be done. But I do take comfort in the message I get from everybody I speak with in this country. They feel very strongly about democracy in Georgia, and I see commitment. Of course, Georgia is on the path of transformation. And we will help and work to have the administration, the judiciary, and all other democratic guarantees that it needs.
Mtavari Arkhi, Tatia Tsotsonava: Mister European Commissioner, I want to ask you about the unprecedented vandalism plaguing Tbilisi's center over the past couple of days. Radical groups took down the EU flag twice and burned it right there. Law enforcements were present, though there was no immediate response, something we have not seen from state institutions either. What does it mean on Georgia's path toward European integration? And a question for you, Mister Garibashvili. You are Head of Government. It has been about 24 hours since that happened and yet have not made a statement to condemn it. Why? Should those burning the EU flag in the heart of the city be punished?
Oliver Varhelyi
As I said in the beginning, no vandalism or violence can be the beginning of anything. And it cannot be a mean that anybody should or could consider. We discussed this issue extensively with the Prime Minister.And this is why it is very important what I learned from him is that the full force of law enforcements is deployed, and everyone who has participated in this must face justice.
About our flag, I would say that barbarism starts when flags are burned.But to me that was not an important sign. For me the most important sign was when, this morning, the Parliament Speaker put back the EU flag where it belongs. This is the important message.
Irakli Garibashvili
Thank you so much, Mister Commissioner. I will answer this question. I would like to explain once again for Mister Commissioner, his delegation, and our population how these events unfolded. Two days ago, there were questions about the police using disproportionate force. Mister Commissioner, let me tell you that we have one of the best trained professional police forces, and we are proud of them. They exhibited a top level of professionalism yesterday, detaining 100 persons and keeping the opposing sides separated.
How did things unfold two days ago? Once again, I explain publicly that the police had 3,500 officers mobilized throughout the city. We were expectation the main event at 6 PM, meaning the event planned by the minorities. At 5 PM, our Church had a peaceful-I repeat, peaceful-prayer service planned. And those who started this violence at 11 AM had nothing in common with the Church or the Government. I repeat what I have said publicly: A few days ago, even a couple of weeks ago, the Interior Ministry had direct contact with the Pride organizers, with locations defined for them in advance and advise that those would be safer venues for the event. One of the first events was attended by several ambassadors, the police did a great job fulfilling their duties, and no incidents took place. There were those who opposed it all, of course, but that is normal, and everyone is entitled by the law and the Constitution to the freedom of expression, including against minorities, though within the bounds of the law and the Constitution. On the second and third days, there were given a different location, near Tbilisi. They encountered no obstacles, but our special services and position officers, after assessing risks and threats coming from the organizers of the counterdemonstration, warned in advance, including publicly-I personally gave fair public warning-that it was inadvisable to hold a march in Tbilisi's center. Because it posed serious risks, and there was a danger of public confrontation. We recommended choosing a different location, similar to the venues on the previous days, so that they could hold an event, and the police would protect them. On Sunday, I spoke with ambassadors, including with the EU Ambassador, and we explained to them too that the Government had discerned real risks that would ultimately lead to an escalation, and that did not serve the country's interests, because it showed signs of provocation. At about 10 AM, July 5, mobilization started, with numerous counterdemonstrators appearing in the streets, including some of the most aggressive ones who attacked journalists, thus compromising the Church's peaceful prayer rally, as well as our Government, meaning that it caused damage to the 5 PM peaceful prayer demonstration and our Government alike, and our country as a whole. This case will be investigated, of course. It was a targeted provocation and violence coming from particular individuals which would eventually lead an open confrontation and clash with the police. And that was their only goal. And the image of our country would be tarnished, of course, the image of our Church, and ultimately the image of the EU.
In conclusion, I would like to say that the foregoing did not serve the interests of the Church, our Government, or our people. These provocations served the interests of the radical revanchist opposition and an enemy state. We will not leave even a single incident uninvestigated. We will get to the bottom of it all, and we will respond accordingly.
Thank you very much!