Brussels, 04/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 4 March, the Commissioner for Enlargement, Stefan Füle, stressed the importance of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, pointing out that although all eyes are currently on Crimea and Ukraine, “Russia's behaviour here in Georgia is also a matter for serious concern”, which must not be overlooked. “The territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia continue to be threatened by Russia, including through the construction of barriers and military installations which hinder the freedom of movement”, said the commissioner, on a visit to Georgia. “Here as well, Russia must respect international law and the sovereignty of its neighbour, Georgia”, he added.
Call for reforms to continue. Füle also referred to the future association agreement between the EU and Georgia, which is expected to be signed by August 2014. The commissioner called for reforms to continue, describing these as “essential”. “We expect Georgia to continue to demonstrate its commitment to our shared democratic values, pluralism and the non-politicisation of justice”, he said. “The duties and challenges ahead are not easy”, Füle warned, adding that the EU is aware of the pressure and that it stands alongside Georgia in the event that it should come under the same kind of pressure as Ukraine.
But the game is worth the candle. “The signature of the association agreement, including the deep and comprehensive free-trade zone, will bring Georgia and its people closer to the EU, to our values, standards and markets”, he explained. Füle went on to say that the agreement would “pave the way for the modernisation of the state, society and the economy”. However, the agreement “contains no overnight miracle cures”, the Commissioner warned. (CG)