On Thursday 19 October, Georgia's Foreign Affairs Minister Mikheil Janelidze called for a strong EU position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia – territories that are occupied by Russia.
"A strong position from the international community and especially from the EU, which acted as mediator in 2008, is essential for sending a message that says an infringement to territorial integrity is not acceptable", he told the European Parliament's foreign affairs committee. "Georgia wants to maintain the peaceful resolution of its differences, and to use every diplomatic tool to resolve the issue in good faith", he added. Janelidze also said that at the Eastern Partnership summit on 24 November he would like the EU to reaffirm its continuing support for Georgia's territorial integrity.
He said he wanted to deepen the dialogue with EU member states on defence "in order to have the best coordination possible for peace and stability in the world", he said. The first high level EU-Georgia strategic dialogue on security was held on 12 October (see EUROPE 11882). Janelidze stated that Georgia had a role as peacemaker in the region, and that it was the "guarantor of stability". In his view, Georgia is one of the EU's biggest allies in the region and an important partner in terms of security. Among other things, he mentioned his country's contribution to the EU's CSDP missions.
Saying that Tbilssi had strong cooperation with the countries of central Asia, Asia, and the Far East, Janelidze said he was convinced Georgia could "become a platform for discussion between Europe and Asia".
He told the MEPs of his country's desire to come nearer to the EU, saying that Georgia was one of the most enthusiastic countries on this issue, with 80% of public opinion in favour of it. "Europe and EU integration are the path Georgia has chosen", he said. In Janelidze's view, his country's democratic transformation is a "result of its European aspiration" and the EU is the "main vector" of development in Georgia. He said that at the Eastern Partnership summit, he would like "the EU to be ready to respect and support its partners' European aspirations and choices, and to keep the door open". He also calls for the possibility of more financial aid to implement reforms. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)