The News in Brief
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Georgia Reaffirms NATO Integration as Key Foreign Policy Priority, Says Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili
Georgia's integration into NATO remains a top foreign policy priority, stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili, while assessing the Washington Summit of NATO.
According to Darchiashvili, Georgia is consistently working towards NATO integration alongside its partners. He highlighted that the main topic of the summit is the issue of Ukraine.
"The 75th anniversary summit is a good platform for discussing challenges," Darchiashvili noted. "As expected, the main line of the summit is Ukraine, expressing solidarity for Ukraine. Yesterday was also very busy with this topic, because Ukraine needs strong support and solidarity. It is the anniversary summit that gives the opportunity for the USA and its partners to show strong support once again towards Ukraine, and on the other hand, to look for additional mechanisms that will strengthen Ukraine, so that the country can protect itself. This is the main topic of the summit," he said.
During the Washington Summit, Darchiashvili attended the anniversary reception hosted by US President Joe Biden. He will also participate in a roundtable meeting under the auspices of Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
"This is a very interactive gathering, where ministers have the opportunity to exchange views on various topics. Georgia is always ready to participate in similar discussions. I am sure that this platform will give us an additional opportunity to once again confirm to our partners our unequivocal position regarding our foreign political priorities," Darchiashvili stated.
Additionally, Darchiashvili held bilateral meetings with his foreign counterparts within the framework of the summit.
Parliament Becomes More Inaccessible and Non-Transparent in 2023, Reports Transparency International Georgia
In 2023, Georgia's Parliament transformed into a more closed and inaccessible institution, particularly for representatives of civil society and critical media, according to a report by Transparency International Georgia. The report highlights increased denials of access to parliamentary sessions and committee meetings without specific justification, citing only general security regulations. Additionally, the Parliament has ceased releasing public information that could be used for criticism against MPs.
Transparency International Georgia pointed out a concerning trend of non-transparency and lack of accountability within the institution.
According to TI's report, when they requested public information, the Parliament failed to provide data routinely shared for the past decade. This included the number of speeches delivered by MPs, details on disciplinary actions against them, and comprehensive information on committee activities.
Georgia Reaffirms NATO Integration as Key Foreign Policy Priority, Says Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili
According to Darchiashvili, Georgia is consistently working towards NATO integration alongside its partners. He highlighted that the main topic of the summit is the issue of Ukraine.
"The 75th anniversary summit is a good platform for discussing challenges," Darchiashvili noted. "As expected, the main line of the summit is Ukraine, expressing solidarity for Ukraine. Yesterday was also very busy with this topic, because Ukraine needs strong support and solidarity. It is the anniversary summit that gives the opportunity for the USA and its partners to show strong support once again towards Ukraine, and on the other hand, to look for additional mechanisms that will strengthen Ukraine, so that the country can protect itself. This is the main topic of the summit," he said.
During the Washington Summit, Darchiashvili attended the anniversary reception hosted by US President Joe Biden. He will also participate in a roundtable meeting under the auspices of Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
"This is a very interactive gathering, where ministers have the opportunity to exchange views on various topics. Georgia is always ready to participate in similar discussions. I am sure that this platform will give us an additional opportunity to once again confirm to our partners our unequivocal position regarding our foreign political priorities," Darchiashvili stated.
Additionally, Darchiashvili held bilateral meetings with his foreign counterparts within the framework of the summit.
Parliament Becomes More Inaccessible and Non-Transparent in 2023, Reports Transparency International Georgia
Transparency International Georgia pointed out a concerning trend of non-transparency and lack of accountability within the institution.
According to TI's report, when they requested public information, the Parliament failed to provide data routinely shared for the past decade. This included the number of speeches delivered by MPs, details on disciplinary actions against them, and comprehensive information on committee activities.