President Zurabishvili delivers the annual speech
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Thursday, March 7
The first female President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili has delivered her annual speech in parliament and stated that Georgia has higher chances now than ever to fully integrate into the EU.
She mentioned the offer of French President Emmanuel Macron to the EU regarding the creation of a new conception for the European Union, which will open doors for non-EU member states.
Zurabishvili said that a large-scale meeting will be hosted by Macron at the end of the year, where the conception may be kicked off.
Zurabishvili said that the country’s progress is more obvious to the international community that the country residents.
She stated that the EU’s and NATO’s interest is growing to the Black Sea region, which makes Georgia more and more attractive for the duo.
“I want to state here that our aspirations to NATO are not against someone. It is the right of a sovereign country to choose allies freely for its security and higher protection,” Zurabishvili said.
She stated that despite continued threats, aggression, pressure and occupation from Russia, Georgia still stands firm on its Euro-Atlantic path.
“I have raised the issue of renewal of a high political format [with Russia and foreign states], which will not cover only technical issues. They [the international community] should make Russia understand that there is no room for aggression in the 21st century,” Zurabishvili said.
Zurabishvili says that free trade deals with foreign states will work better if Georgia produces higher quality products and advertises better for production.
“I want to also say that female farmers need higher support,” Zurabishvili said.
She stated that the encouragement of cultural activities in the region will boost the economy as the young people will not leave the regions.
“The president’s administration has launched working on such a conception and will present it for public soon,” Zurabishvili said.
Zurabishvili says that her administration is in close cooperation with the Justice Ministry of Georgia to further simplify procedures for restoration and preservation of Georgian citizenship.
Zurabishvili said that the Pardon Commission, which is now under the president’s supervision, may move to the Ministry of Justice, with more state agencies involved in the discussion of applications for pardon.
She says that the final decision about the pardon will be again made by the president.
Zurabishvili also said that she refrains from making political statements regarding the court-related controversies, about the selection and appointment criteria for judges, as such issues are beyond her competences.
However, she noted that judges should not make political statements which may harm the process.
The president stated that the decisions regarding the court should be made cautiously, without taking haste.
The United National Movement opposition refused to attend the speech as they believe Zurabishvili is “illegitimate president,” winning the presidential race with the help of billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.
