President’s speech: ‘we might want to take new steps to our allies, to Russia’
Georgian President spoke about global and local challenges in her annual speech. Photo: IPN.
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President Salome Zurabishvili says that 'we might want to think about new steps to be taken and new positions to present with our partners or with Russia'. However, she states that these must not be the steps of concession or adoption to occupation.
Delivering her annual speech at parliament earlier today, Zurabishvili said that any issue, which will not and should not be forcibly settled, ‘needs carriage, reason, advancement [through drawing red lines] and unity to be settled.’
Annual Address to Parliament https://t.co/24mlD7rFEs
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) March 4, 2020
We have made important, peaceful steps towards our occupied territories. However, we need to do more. We should get Abkhazians and Ossetians to see the prospects of living in a united country. The prospects which will make their way to Europe instead of living under continued threats. The prospects to preserve and strengthen their language and culture, their originality,” Zurabishvili stated.
We must think wider, forge a new vision that we can offer to Abkhazians and Ossetians. We have to show them the future that we offer in a reunified state. A perspective that doesn’t represent a threat to them but opens a new path toward Europe and toward well-being. pic.twitter.com/yGv2zQBI91
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) March 4, 2020
She said that if Russia uses the occupation of Georgian territories to make the country change its foreign country, ‘the goal will never be achieved,’ adding that ‘I will never be the president of the country which will change its course, written in its constitution.’
If Russia aims to have neighbourly relations with Georgia and the regional states, it is in the interests of everyone. However, such a relation is possible only through the respect of a sovereign state and its free choice, as well as deescalation and deoccupation,” Zurabishvili said.
She stated that Georgia should kick of new initiatives and ideas to NATO and the EU, especially in terms of cyber security, safe Black Sea and in the communication field.
Austrian ambassador to Georgia tweeted.
President @Zourabichvili_S focuses in her annual speech to Parliament on the need for unity and common values in #Georgia. Tolerance, courtesy and solidarity key for development of country. pic.twitter.com/okvemqhY5K
— Arad Benkö (@AradBenkoe) March 4, 2020
Lack of unity, polarisation
Zurabishvili stated that the country lacks unity and is polarised in face of severe challenges of occupation and migration.
She said that many in the country still fail to see where the country is and where it is going to.
Zurabishvili stated that over the past 30 years, since gaining its independence, the country has made ‘genuine progress,’ making close ties with the EU and NATO, better economy, fair court, free media.
30 years since the restoration of independence we are standing at the door of Europe as its leading, associated member. We are one of the most reliable and respected allies of NATO, and the US, with the US approving Georgia Support Act. 30 years ago we would not have imagined becoming a member of all dignified international organisations fighting with global challenges,” Zurabishvili said.
Lithuanian ambassador to Georgia tweeted.
???????? President @Zourabichvili_S annual report: „#Cybersecurity, secure Black Sea & its transformation in fields of communication/connectivity are issues where we can say our word. Together w/ membership, our aim is 2 become a more active player in @NATO & ???????? already 2 day“ pic.twitter.com/NCzRJcnA0f
— Giedrius Puodziunas (@Puodziunas_G) March 4, 2020
She stated that the criticism which ‘is sometimes heard’ towards Georgia is because of ‘high expectations,’ adding that the final stage of reforms ‘is the most difficult.’
Democracy needs care and unity. The major enemy of democracy in Georgia and in the world is polarisation, which replaces criticism by confrontation. That is why the seats of opposition are empty [during my speech] instead of them to be present and use the occasion for healthy debates.”
New economic efforts should include one of the central traditional values of our society – #solidarity. That means more solidarity between generations, more solidarity towards vulnerable groups of society. This is the path of development that will bring back Georgia to itself. pic.twitter.com/m1eu7uMiuo
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) March 4, 2020
Zurabishvili said that in 30 years Georgia received a new generation which is free, brave and free of complexes - ‘the achievement which is not the merit of any single government of the country.’
In her speech Zurabishvili praised the Georgian army and called for further support for vulnerable groups.