EU prepared to maintain current policy with Georgia
16.10.12 10:35
EU is prepared to maintain the momentum in the negotiations of an Association Agreement - EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said in a conclusion released after the meeting of the EU foreign ministers held in Luxemburg on October 15.
`The EU stands ready to provide support and advice to the new administration, and to continue technical dialogue, with a view to ensuring continuity and maintaining momentum in the negotiations of an Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, and in measures taken in the context of the ongoing visa dialogue.
The Council underlines its commitment to EU support for the necessary internal reforms by Georgia in these areas. The Council looks forward to a visit by the new Prime Minister at the earliest opportunity. The Council stresses the critical importance of both an effective parliamentary opposition and a vibrant civil society to democratic development, and reiterates its intention to continue to support capacity building in these areas,` the statement said.
`In Georgia we welcome the conduct of elections - the first peaceful transition of power in Georgia`s history. The new prime minister, with him I have spoken, will have to work with president Saakashvili for the good of the people. It is essential for Georgia`s future, the spirit is calmed and well managed. The EU`s engagement is with Georgia as a whole ready to work and help and support political cooperation and economic integration as well as great mobility. We are also committed to helping Georgia to uphold its territorial integrity. I announced that Stefan Fule and Olga Schmidt will travel to Georgia later this week on my behalf to have discussions,` Catherine Ashton announced at the briefing.
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