PM-designate presented government priorities to PMs

PM-designate Irakli Garibashvili presented the new government policy statement priorities of the government to the Parliament. He stressed that being Prime Minister of Georgia is an honor and yet, at the same time, it gives him the greatest responsibility.

Garibashvili, 31, who will become the next Prime Minister of Georgia after Parliament confirms him, urged the PMs to approve the government policy and the cabinet of ministers presented by him and promised that for their part, they will make all-their efforts to justify the trust of parliament.

"I will do everything in my power to justify this trust and serve my country selflessly, Garibashvili noted.

Garibashvili started the speech with expressing his gratitude to Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is departing from the post voluntarily and named Garibashvili as his successor.

"A man who set aside everything personal two years ago and honorably entered Georgian politics to save the country amid the most difficult circumstances Mr. Bidzina came through with his promise, freeing Georgia from the regime and honorably left politics, he said.

In the thirty-minute speech, Garibashvili emphasized on the main priorities of the government:

• Implementing democratic reforms
• Improvement of the judicial system
• Foreign police
• Russia-Georgia relations
• Economy
• Healthcare
• Regional development
• Self-government reforms
• Environmental protection
• National security
• Modify the general education
• Culture, sports, and youth

According Garibashvili, the policy of the government is built upon the explicit interests of the Georgian citizens. "Engagement of our citizens will serve as the main foundation for the development and implementation of the government policy, he noted.

De-politicization and democratization of the judicial system

Introducing the government policy statement, Garibashvili named the improvement of the judicial system as one of the main goals of the new government.

"Introduction of a fair and effective court system is our most important strategic goal, he said.

However, added that there are a number of activities to carry out with a view to guaranteeing a greater level of independence of judges.

The incoming Prime Minister promised the improvement of the "juvenile criminal code on which special attention will be paid to the implementation of the re-socialization policy.

From Garibashvilis speech, it has become known that the Migration Service will be initiated within the Ministry of Interior.This agency will be in charge of identifying and deporting illegal migrants from the country.

Moreover, a temporary placement facility for illegal migrants will be built and put into operation in June 2014, where European standards of respect for human rights will be observed.

Euro-Atlantic integration the choice of people

Irakli Garibashvili declared that the government prioritized EU aspirations and Euro-Atlantic integration. "This is the choice declared by the Georgian people and this choice has no alternative, he said adding that Georgias foreign policy will be built upon ensuring the countrys national security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Referring to the relations with the United States of America, Garibashvili described it as Georgias main ally and underlined that Georgia will carry out the relations accordance with the terms defined by the Charter on Strategic Partnership.

Breakaway regions building confidence

In the speech, the message was sent to the Abkhaz and Ossetian populations in the occupied territories to intensify works aimed at confidence building among them.

"We will open the way for citizen diplomacy, economic rehabilitation, and business projects.Family and personal relationships and kinship, maintained by those on either side of the occupation lines, will be encouraged, Garibashvili said.

Added that conflict resolution policy will be peaceful, constructive, pragmatic, and based on national interests.

Georgias ultimate de-occupation

Garibashvili believes that only with the support of strategic partners and friends, it is possible to achieve the countrys ultimate de-occupation.

"Our political team has inherited the most grievous legacy, when in 2008, Russia occupied twenty percent of the territory of Georgia. With a view to resolving the conflict between Russia and Georgia, the Georgian Government will continue its constructive participation in the Geneva International Talks, Garibashvili noted.

At the same time, he added that Georgia will try to overcome the crisis with Russia in stages in order to protect the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The government also plans to continue the bilateral format of dialogue between Georgia and Russia which should promote the development of relations in the fields of trade, economic, transport, and the humanitarian efforts to the greatest extent possible, while also promoting incremental resolution of problems.

Entrepreneurial and investment environment

Garibashvili noted that economic policy will focus on the development of such fields as entrepreneurial and investment environment.

Also one of the main priorities of the government will be the development of information and communication technology, with special emphasis on information.

As for the energy policy, the government will work on raising the energy level, safety, and independence, while incremental minimization of dependence on imported energy resources.

Accumulative pensions

According to Garibashvili, the blanket healthcare program, launched in 2013, will continue and gradually expand.

The incoming Prime Minister promised that the basic principles of the accumulative pension system will be formulated, according to which pensions will be issued to citizens in accordance with their accumulative retirement deposits.

Self-government reform "the most important

Garibashvili believes that self-government reform is one of the most important reforms implemented by the country to ensure the countrys development.

"The level of engagement for citizens in the decision-making process on locally important issues will also increase as a result of this reform, he said.

Armed forces NATO standard

The government plans to further improve the defense capabilities by transforming the army into a more mobile and professional armed force, compatible with NATO standards.

"Armed forces must be ready to protect the countrys independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, while also participating in international peacemaking operations and assisting the authorities in times of natural and man-made disasters, Garibashvili noted.

"Worthy member of the modern world

In light of the governments priorities, Garibashvili noted that financing of sciences and education will increase substantially.

According to government plan, attracting talented youths and their engagement in sciences will be given priority.

Garibashvili also emphasized that the policy of non-interference with the work of sports federations and youth organizations will continue. These words were followed by applause from the PMs.

See the full version of PM nominee Irakli Garibashvili's speech in the Parliament of Georgia below.