Ruling party head: “explained” to MEPs all parliamentary parties are offered to participate in implementation process of European Commission recommendations

Irakli Kobakhidze, the chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Tuesday said he had explained to the members of the EU-Georgia parliamentary association committee that the ruling party had offered “all parliamentary parties” to participate in the process of implementation of the 12-point conditions for obtaining the European Union membership candidate status.  

After the meeting with the members of the European Parliament, Marina Kaljurand and Sven Mikser, Kobakhidze said there had been ”an interesting exchange of opinions” with the MEPs, on fulfilling the conditions outlined by the European Council and on the ongoing political processes.

We cannot be responsible for a parallel process. We are liable for the one that will take place in parliamentary formats. The working process has started in the parliamentary groups, [...] together with the parties represented in the groups, as well as with relevant non-governmental organisations, we do not only discuss issues but also listen to their opinions. [...] a lot of their proposals are outlined. The process is not only formally inclusive, but it is in practice too", the GD chairman noted.

The MEPs also made comments after the meeting, Kaljurand stressed the ruling party should be “inclusive” and should listen to stakeholders, civil society and opposition, and called on the opposition to participate in the parliamentary working groups, adding it has been their “duty” to represent the society as they had gained the mandate from people.

Mikser called the European integration a “much bigger goal” than “any party or politician”, and noted that everyone should work together and should not “disappoint the Georgian people”.

The MEPs also met with Georgian parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili earlier today, as well as 13 representatives of Georgia’s domestic opposition behind closed doors.