Brussels, 08/01/2004 (Agence Europe) - Javier Solana, EU High Representative for CFSP will go to Tblissi next week (probably Thursday) in Georgia, following his visits to Iran and Afghanistan. Mr Solana will meet the new Georgian president, Mikhaïl Saakachvili, with whom he will discuss the political and economic reforms announced by the new government. The High Representative may also meet the President-elect of the country.
Following the presidential election of 4 January, the Irish presidency made the following declaration, "The European Union welcomed the Preliminary Findings and Conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) to the Presidential Election in Georgia on 4th January. The findings state that the elections demonstrated notable progress over previous selections. The conduct of the elections has brought Georgia closer to meeting international standards for democratic elections. The high rate of participation of the Georgian population in the election and the clear and broad mandate five to Mr Saakachvili represent a very positive signal for the future of Georgia. The Presidential election has opened up new opportunities for Georgia. The EU now looks forward to helping Georgia and the other countries of the South Caucasus to come closer to the European family. In this context, the EU restates its willingness to assist Georgia through the range of EU instruments and policies. It looks forward to Georgia having the benefit of close and co-operative relations with all its neighbours. The EU welcomes Mr Saakachvili's first public comments following his victory on the need to combat corruption and to uphold the rule of law. Progress in this reform programme will facilitate increased international support and engagement in Georgia's development. The EU calls on all parties in Georgia to work with the President-elect on the much needed reforms, and conclude an agreement with the IMF to allow for full and effective international financial assistance. The EU has also taken note of the remaining concerns and of the Summary Recommendations on the forth coming parliamentary elections in Georgia, included as part of the IEOM Statement, on issues such as equal conditions and equal media access for all parties and improvement of voter registration. Assassinate to enable the preparation of free and fair elections in Georgia remains high on the EU agenda. We expect the Georgian authorities to establish a realistic timetable so that the progress made in these Presidential elections can be sustained and the specific recommendations can be addressed. The EU High Representative Javier Solana has requested the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Ambassador Heikki Talkitie, to visit Tbilissi shortly to assess how the EU may best assist the new leadership".