Statement

Mr. Chairmen,
Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentleman,

Georgia welcomes that the realization of NATO Istanbul Summit decisions regarding the change of partnership's geographic and substantive focus is moving forward.

The designation of Secretary General's special representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia and NATO's readiness to send liaison officers to both regions truly reflect the Istanbul decision to put special focus on the Caucasus and Central Asia.

We are confident that these decisions will highly contribute to the process of enhancement of Georgia-NATO relations, particularly today, when our partnership is equipped with clear and well structured guidance and supported by renewed political commitments.

Black Sea security dimension is becoming indispensable part of the newly emerged European security architecture. The Black Sea region mostly suits a prospect to endorsed possible modalities for an enhanced NATO role in the area. At present, the Black Sea is linked with the South-East Europe and South Caucasus, having diversified further partnership pattern with Central Asia. The Istanbul summit communiqué confirmed the importance of the Black Sea region for Euro-Atlantic security, the efforts of the littoral states, Allies and Partners to contribute to further strengthening of security and stability in the area. Herewith, we have already signed Memorandums with the Bulgarian and Romanian sides in the field of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, similar to that we have already with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Having mentioned Black Sea Security I cannot ignore the situation in Ukraine, since the democratic future of Ukraine, is of direct and vital important for Georgia. Shearing the concerns of the NATO, EU, OSCE, and others regarding the numerous violations during the Presidential elections in Ukraine, we fully support international efforts to help coming about the outcome where the choice of the Ukrainian people will be respected.

Mr. Chairmen,

Georgia today is still dealing with the results of the frozen conflicts in two parts of our country. The actions of the Russian Federation: restoration of railway communication and navigation, illegal granting Russian Citizenship to the population of the conflict zone, intervention during the recent so called elections in Abkhazia, Georgia and other activities only complicate the situation. Georgia reaffirms its commitments to peaceful resolution of the existing conflicts in Abkhazia, Georgia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia. We are ready to determine the status of both regions within the state of Georgia with the widest degree of autonomy.

We highly value unanimous position of NATO regarding fulfillment of the Istanbul Commitments on the adapted CFE Treaty as the precondition for its entry into force.

The process of fundamental reforms in Georgia is gaining new momentum. Alongside with reform process in political and economic spheres special attention is attached to real substance of the reforms in defence and security sector. Recently approved IPAP of Georgia is a guidance to meet those tasks successfully, at the same time we consider it as an excellent tool for further development of NATO-Georgia cooperation.

In order to successfully accomplish IPAP, we have established a State Commission headed by the Prime Minister that will monitor and coordinate the IPAP implementation process and will keep watch on the precise observation of the scheduled activities.

At the same time we try to support Allies and Partners in their aspiration for making world stability and security sustainable. We contribute to the success of NATO-led operations as well as we intend to increase our presence in Iraq.

Thank you.