Brussels, 27/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 27 March, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle hailed the unanimous adoption the previous day of an amendment to Georgia's constitution. This amendment abolishes the unilateral power of the president to dissolve the cabinet and to appoint a government without the approval of the parliament. The amendment is in accordance with international standards on constitutional issues. “The cross-party consensus that underpins this agreement demonstrates the commitment of all sides in Georgian politics to good governance in the national interest”, Ashton and Füle state in their press release. They said that this constitutional amendment “consolidates Georgia's democracy and sets an important precedent for cooperation between all parties in Georgian politics”.
Ashton and Füle called on all stakeholders in Georgia to continue to work together “in this constructive spirit” in the best interests of the Georgian people.
Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili described the parliament's vote as a “victory for democracy” and a “clear message to the whole world that Georgians want a truly democratic system”. The party of President Mikheil Saakashvili, which is now part of the opposition, backed the initiative of Ivanishvili's government after intense negotiations. (CG/transl.fl)