Brussels, 26/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - While visiting Tbilisi on Monday 26 November, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton called on President Mikhail Saakashvili and Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili to “continue to use their offices and institutions constructively to Georgia's good governance”. “The European Union calls on all sides in Georgian politics to uphold European values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law. There should be no selective justice, no retribution against political rivals. Investigations into past wrongdoings must be, and must be seen to be, impartial, transparent and in compliance with due process”, Ashton added.
Ashton called on Georgia to begin negotiations with the EU on a framework agreement for Tbilisi's participation in EU crisis management operations, and she paid tribute to Georgia's role in international security and its contribution to international operations. She also welcomed Georgia's progress in the negotiations on an association agreement and a deep and comprehensive free trade area. “We continue to make rapid progress in these negotiations”, Ashton said, hopeful that “we will conclude our negotiations in a relatively short time-frame”. She reiterated the EU's commitment to improving mobility.
Ashton also recalled the EU's commitment to Georgia's territorial integrity. (CG/transl.fl)