The News in Brief
Friday, June 23, 2023
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Georgia Still Has Work to Do Despite Progress, Says Jessica Roswal
After the informal meeting of European Union Ministers in Stockholm, where the European Commission presented an oral report on the progress of reforms implemented by Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova, Jessica Roswall, the Swedish Minister for European Union Affairs, remarked that although there has been some progress, it is evident that Georgia still has remaining tasks.
Roswall emphasized the importance of conveying a coherent and unambiguous message to Georgia, which includes the necessity for further reforms.
"We need to initiate a discussion on how to make the EU fit for future challenges, and reaching a consensus on the essential components of necessary reforms will not be an easy task. Furthermore, we extended an invitation to Olivér Várhelyi, the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, to present the progress of reforms in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, as well as their applications for EU membership.
While there has been some progress, it is clear that Georgia still has work to accomplish. It is crucial to send a clear and unified message to Georgia, emphasizing the need for additional reforms. I am confident that Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia will carefully examine the content of the update and use it as a guide for future reforms before the implementation of the enlargement package in the fall. As mentioned earlier, Georgia has made some progress, and it is essential to observe their journey towards the European Union," stated Roswall.
Roswall emphasized that although Georgia has made advancements in implementing reforms, they are still on the path towards joining the European Union. She stressed the utmost importance of the European Union and its member states providing support to Georgia throughout this journey.
Irakli Kobakhidze: Politicization of Justice Contradicts EU Values
Irakli Kobakhidze, the chairman of Georgian Dream, expressed his concerns about the interference of the United National Movement and their leaders in the independence of the judiciary.
"I firmly believe that the politicization of justice goes against the values upheld by the European Union. We have witnessed multiple instances where blatant attempts were made to interfere with the judiciary's independence. One such example was the summoning of Judge Chkhikvadze, demanding a report from him and imposing unjust sanctions, while refusing to visit him. It was a clear violation of justice. We will not tolerate such actions. We will not allow anyone to rudely disrupt the independence of our justice system. Naturally, we cannot let others do what we ourselves abstain from. We have left such practices in the past, prior to 2012. Back then, justice was heavily politicized, and those in power, along with their allies, interfered with the judiciary's independence," Irakli Kobakhidze said.
Kobakhidze emphasized that the government of Georgian Dream follows a different approach.
"Therefore, today, we cannot permit the same 'United National Movement' and their supporters to undermine the independence of our justice system. Safeguarding the independence of the judiciary is one of the most significant accomplishments of our government, and we are committed to protecting it. Neither the government nor any other entity should attempt to meddle with the independence of our justice system."
Georgia Still Has Work to Do Despite Progress, Says Jessica Roswal
Roswall emphasized the importance of conveying a coherent and unambiguous message to Georgia, which includes the necessity for further reforms.
"We need to initiate a discussion on how to make the EU fit for future challenges, and reaching a consensus on the essential components of necessary reforms will not be an easy task. Furthermore, we extended an invitation to Olivér Várhelyi, the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, to present the progress of reforms in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, as well as their applications for EU membership.
While there has been some progress, it is clear that Georgia still has work to accomplish. It is crucial to send a clear and unified message to Georgia, emphasizing the need for additional reforms. I am confident that Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia will carefully examine the content of the update and use it as a guide for future reforms before the implementation of the enlargement package in the fall. As mentioned earlier, Georgia has made some progress, and it is essential to observe their journey towards the European Union," stated Roswall.
Roswall emphasized that although Georgia has made advancements in implementing reforms, they are still on the path towards joining the European Union. She stressed the utmost importance of the European Union and its member states providing support to Georgia throughout this journey.
Irakli Kobakhidze: Politicization of Justice Contradicts EU Values
"I firmly believe that the politicization of justice goes against the values upheld by the European Union. We have witnessed multiple instances where blatant attempts were made to interfere with the judiciary's independence. One such example was the summoning of Judge Chkhikvadze, demanding a report from him and imposing unjust sanctions, while refusing to visit him. It was a clear violation of justice. We will not tolerate such actions. We will not allow anyone to rudely disrupt the independence of our justice system. Naturally, we cannot let others do what we ourselves abstain from. We have left such practices in the past, prior to 2012. Back then, justice was heavily politicized, and those in power, along with their allies, interfered with the judiciary's independence," Irakli Kobakhidze said.
Kobakhidze emphasized that the government of Georgian Dream follows a different approach.
"Therefore, today, we cannot permit the same 'United National Movement' and their supporters to undermine the independence of our justice system. Safeguarding the independence of the judiciary is one of the most significant accomplishments of our government, and we are committed to protecting it. Neither the government nor any other entity should attempt to meddle with the independence of our justice system."