President Zurabishvili proposes to create joint document on National Accord process

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has proposed to create a joint document on National Accord process during the first public discussion about her initiative attempting to reduce polarization in the country.

Orbeliani Presidential Palace hosted a discussion about the National Accord process for female representatives of various fields earlier this evening.

• President Zurabishvili: I have neither the leverage nor power to reconcile opposing forces in Georgia

President Zurabishvili pointed out that she had invited women at the first public discussion of her initiative as they had historically played important roles during the "tough moments" in the country.

We have a historical tradition that women have had very demanding roles during the very tough moments. I find it unfortunate that there are a very few women in the government, in the parliament and in the local government today. It is wrong in a country where women are strongly represented in every field, she explained.

The Georgian president said her National Accord initiative is not strictly a political issue, but it "cannot be without a political continuation."

As a state representative, I am ready to create a joint document, which will be one of the main outcomes of this process: what are the points we agree on, what do we no longer want, what are the society's demands. I will take these demands to the political parties and the parliament, she added.

President Zurabishvili initiated the National Accord process in December, encouraging both the ruling party and opposition members in Georgia to strive to reach a consensus by listening to each other and exchanging opinions.

US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan praised the president's efforts, saying that working to bring about an agreement is a "way forward for Georgia."