Georgian president’s annual speech: unprecedented European prospects open to Georgia
Salome Zurabishvili, the first female president of Georgia, was inaugurated in December 2018. Photo: President’s press office.
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Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili says that unprecedented European prospects have opened up for Georgia after the offer of French President Emmanuel Macron to the EU member states regarding the creation of a new, European concept: an open Europe for everyone.
Europe’s future image is shaping now, which opens up new prospects for Georgia,” Zurabishvili said, adding that Macron’s address to the 27 EU member states also included changes for the existing acceptance model into the EU.
Zurabishvili stated that Georgia has a chance to express its views [regarding the new concep] during the Batumi international conference this year.
She added that Europe’s interest in Georgia is also high and that the EU names Georgia as the success story of the region.
Europe’s increased interest in the Black Sea and the Caucasus transport corridor also opens up new prospects for us,” Zurabishvili said.
‘Our achievements are more obvious abroad’
Zurabishvili said that Georgia’s progress and achievements are more obvious abroad, for foreign states, than for those living in the country.
100 days haven't gone by since my inauguration but I have made the effort to build upon our int'l relations. I visited our #EU partners in #Brussels, #France and #Germany, our brave soldiers in #Afghanistan, and our close friends in #Azerbaijan. ????????????????????????????????????????#AddressToParliament2019 pic.twitter.com/nVmQZijFNf
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) March 6, 2019
Georgia is now perceived as a reliable partner. I was very proud to hear this during my foreign meetings and I want to share the feeling with you, as this a huge achievement for our country,” Zurabishvili said.
She said that the sequence of her foreign visits was not random.
I visited the NATO and the EU headquarters first, then France and Germany - two of our leading allies, then Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan and then Azerbaijan. All of the visits were positive, expressing readiness for further mutual cooperation,” Zurabishvili said.
Zurabishvili stated that both Germany and France are ready to allocate working quotas for Georgian citizens that will reduce illegal migration and increase the labour skills of Georgian youth.
‘I heard only positive assessments from NATO’
Zurabishvili said that she heard only positive assessments of Georgia from top NATO figures.
She said that NATO’s interest has increased in the Black Sea region and cyber-security issues.
I want to state here that our aspirations to get into NATO are not directed against anybody. It is the right of a sovereign country to choose allies freely for its security and increased protection,” Zurabishvili said.
She stated that despite continued threats, aggression, pressure and occupation from Russia, Georgia still stands firm on its Euro-Atlantic path.
I have raised the issue of renewal of a political format [between Russia and foreign states], which will not cover only technical issues. They [the international community] should make Russia understand that there is no room for aggression in the 21st century,” Zurabishvili said.
The United National Movement refused to attend the event. They say that Zurabishvili was not fairly elected to the post. Photo: President's press office.
Need for higher quality products and better advertising
Zurabishvili says that free trade deals with foreign states will work better if Georgia produces higher quality products and advertises them better
I want to also say that female farmers need more support,” Zurabishvili said.
She stated that the encouragement of cultural activities in the region will boost the economy as the young people will not leave the regions.
The president’s administration has launched work on this project and will present it to the public soon,” Zurabishvili said.
Emigrants in focus
Zurabishvili says that her administration cooperates with the Justice Ministry of Georgia to simplify procedures for the restoration and maintenance of Georgian citizenship.
She also mentioned the importance of her initiative for Georgian emigrants to have their own MP in parliament.
It will be helpful for an ‘Emigrants’ House’ to be established, which will work with the one-window method, providing all necessary information for emigrants when they visit the homeland,” Zurabishvili said.
We cannot close our eyes to the danger of disinformation as a tool of destabilization for our democracy. #AddressToParliament2019
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) March 6, 2019
‘Measures are needed against blackmail, distribution of personal footage”
Zurabishvili spoke against fake news and distribution of personal footage.
She said that she is holding consultations with NGOs and interested parties to find solutions for the problems so that the freedom of expression is also protected.
Healthcare challenges, fight against cancer
Zurabishvili says that a high-quality cancer diagnostic and treatment centre should be built in Georgia.
Parents should not be forced to take children abroad for a reliable diagnosis and treatment of cancer,” Zurabishvili said
She stated that there is a proposal to construct a non-profit pediatric oncological centre in Georgia which will settle the problem.
We are working on a bill which will be presented to parliament and to the public,” Zurabishvili said.
I pay close attention to the process of reforms in our country. The world has paid close attention and will continue to watch us. #AddressToParliament2019
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) March 6, 2019
New life for the presidential pardon commission
Zurabishvili said that the pardon commission, which is now subordinated to the president, may move under the control of the Ministry of Justice, with more state agencies involved in the discussion of applications for pardon.
She said that the president will make a final decision on pardon.
Court-related row
Zurabishvili reiterated that she refrains from making political statements regarding the court-related controversies, which concerns the selection and appointment of judges, as such issues are beyond her competency.
She said that judges should also abstain from making political statements.
Zurabishvili stated that decisions regarding the court should be made calmly and cautiously.