Georgia's place is in European Union - FM

Georgia's future is European and the country’s “place is in the European Union,” Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Ilia Darchiashvili said on Friday at a plenary meeting of the Georgian Parliament.

Darchiashvili noted the Government’s application to join the EU was a “manifestation of the united efforts” of citizens and the state, and represented a “historical and political choice”.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia is actively working with the [EU] member states to obtain the status of a candidate country. In particular, I held meetings and telephone calls with almost all the foreign ministers of the European Union member states,” Darchiashvili explained.

Georgian embassies have been instructed to work actively with EU institutions, legislative and executive bodies of member states, research centres and other public opinion organisations to form positions in support of a candidate status for Georgia,” the top Georgian Diplomat also told MPs.

In his comments at the legislative body, Darchiashvili reiterated Georgia's European choice had “no alternative”.

Georgia's European choice has no alternative and will be an achievement of the entire country. Georgia's future is European and Georgia's place is in the European Union,” he said in conclusion to comments made at the Parliament.