Swedish Ambassador: Georgia has to have strong “national unity”
Tidestrom emphasised his country continued to support Georgia in the integration process. Photo:Parliament press office.
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In the “long process” of European integration, Georgia has to have “strong national unity,” and to “uphold” European values of democracy, human rights, equality and the rule of law, Swedish Ambassador Ulrik Tidestrom said on Friday.
The Ambassador said the values were “fundamental” to the European Union and also formed the basis of Georgia's integration, while adding he could not start “speculating or commenting” in advance on the anticipated European Commission conclusion on granting the EU membership candidate status to Georgia.
"We are waiting for the opinion of the European Commission on the candidate status in a very short time. The discussion will then take place between the EU member states,” the Swedish diplomat added.
Tidestrom emphasised his country continued to support Georgia in the integration process.
This is not the time for the European Union to “look critically” at Georgia, Ukraine or Moldova when a “political decision” on the countries’ membership bids are to be taken, Shalva Papuashvili, the Georgian Parliament Speaker, said on Friday.
Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Thursday said the country’s application for European Union membership was the result of the “tireless” and “unwavering” efforts of the Georgian people aimed at “regaining a place in the family” of European nations.
The Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday said that by deepening ties with the European Union and regional partner states Georgia had a “potential” to strengthen its security and "provide peace and stability" in the Black Sea region and beyond.
The European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia is marking 13 years since its establishment. EUMM was established after the Russia-Georgia 2008 war to monitor the EU-brokered ceasefire 6-Point agreement between the countries, but the mission has no access to the occupied territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).
Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Monday hosted Ulrik Tideström, the Ambassador of Sweden to Georgia, and conveyed his congratulations on the occasion of Sweden’s National Day.
Sweden is “one of the most extraordinary partners” for Georgia and distinguished by its support of the country, Irakli Khutsurauli, the Ambassador of Georgia to Finland and Sweden, said on Thursday.
Hans Wallmark, a member of the Swedish parliament Riksdag on Saturday said he had expectations of “positive signals and changes” in Georgia after the European Commission would evaluate the implemented EU conditions, as the country has been a member of the European family.