European Council President meets PM in Tbilisi
By Natalia Kochiashvili
Tuesday, March 2
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili met with the President of the European Council Charles Michel in Tbilisi yesterday. According to the PM, Michel’s visit “is a clear reiteration that our region has a strategic importance for the EU.”
Gharibashvili and Michel have stated that it is important for Georgian politicians to settle issues via a constructive dialogue. He stated that Georgia and the EU should further strengthen ties and that Georgia should carry out additional reforms.
The severe humanitarian situation in Georgia’s Russian-occupied regions were discussed at the meeting as well. After meeting with Georgian officials, Michel visited the occupation line in the village of Khurvaleti, central Georgia, between Georgia and its Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region.
At a press conference Michel said that polarization in Georgia should end and invited political leaders to a meeting through his mediation.
“I am worried about the political crisis and polarization in Georgia. Georgia has gained democracy over the years and has made progress. The polarization and the crisis during your term as Prime Minister, the efforts of your colleagues and the efforts of the opposition leaders must be corrected, the polarization must end.”
According to the European Council President, the government of any country must show leadership qualities and ignore the existing challenges, and act in the interests of Georgia. He called on all parties to join forces for political dialogue.
“I invite you all to meet me tonight. It is time to move from facilitation to mediation, and I repeat, it is time for political dialogue.”
According to him, the dialogue would solve several issues, including the controversy over the judiciary reform. “An independent and accountable judiciary is a key component of our cooperation. Georgian citizens should be able to express and trust the Court, this is an important aspect and we all know that a number of cases need to be resolved.”
Michel urged Georgian authorities to carry out reforms with even more effort and more ambition and that “this would require your leadership position, the involvement of all parties and compromise.”
President Salome Zourabichvili hosted a meeting between the President of the European Council at the Orbeliani Palace between the government and the opposition last night.
"We are moving to a completely different plane of negotiations and, consequently, the EU involvement will be at a completely different political level. The pressure on the government from the EU will be firmer and much more coordinated,” said Salome Samadashvili, a member of the United National Movement before the meeting.
As PM Gharibashvili announced after the meeting, the meeting organized by Charles Michel took place in a very constructive atmosphere, adding that parties agreed that the dialogue will continue. “I will consult with the party's political council and we will plan next steps together.”
“I would like to tell you that the recommendation of the President of the Council of Europe to everyone - opposition, and the government should find a common ground that best serves the interests of our country and people in the shortest time possible,” he added.
The President of the European Council visited Georgia on February 28. Michel’s visit is taking place against the background of the political tension in Georgia after the last parliamentary elections, which was further aggravated by the arrest of the leader of the United National Movement Nika Melia.
Michel met with the President, the Prime Minister, representatives of the opposition and the Speaker of Parliament. He also visited the occupation line. Michel is to meet with Georgian, Ukrainian and Moldovan leaders during his regional trip.
Georgian PM is visiting Brussels in two weeks to attend the meeting of the Association Council.
