Georgia “fully compatible” with NATO standards, only political decision of Alliance left - Parliament Speaker
"Unfortunately, NATO itself does not have the necessary readiness to make a political decision”, he added. Photo via Parliament of Georgia
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Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Saturday said Georgia, the country’s armed forces and institutions were “fully compatible” with NATO standards, noting “the only thing that remains is the political decision of Alliance member countries”.
In his comments to the media, Papuashvili emphasised that Georgia was ahead of some of the NATO countries, in terms of the strength of state institutions and democracy, and stressed the calls to “still” carry out some reforms for the membership has been an excuse, as the country was “ready in every possible way” to become a member of the Alliance.
Unfortunately, NATO itself does not have the necessary readiness to make a political decision”, he added.
Papuashvili said the recent NATO Vilnius Summit focused on Ukraine, amid the ongoing war in the country, but pointed out that Ukrainians themselves “were not satisfied with the results of the Summit”, emphasising “it is understandable that NATO member countries are cautious about their decisions”.
NATO Vilnius Summit Communiqué, issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council, on Tuesday reiterated their support to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders and “highly appreciated” Georgia’s substantial contributions to NATO operations.
Archil Talakvadze, the Vice Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, on Tuesday said the country was in “strategic readiness” to join NATO and the Government was working “together with our partners” to gain a “political decision that Georgia deserves”.
Irakli Kobakhidze, the head of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Tuesday said the country’s authorities would apply “as much effort as possible” to continue its progress towards NATO.
Grigol Giorgadze, the Georgian Deputy Defence Minister, on Tuesday told the Parliament the country’s new Defence Code had been developed with an “active engagement” of foreign partners, and said the document was expected to increase Georgia’s interoperability with NATO.