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Ashton: new agreement with Georgia should benefit all citizens
19-07-2010
The EU has a strategic interest in stability, prosperity and the development of democracy in its Eastern neighbourhood, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has said at the launch of the Association Agreement negotiations with Georgia. “The Eastern Partnership… has given new impetus to our efforts to create the closest possible links between the EU and its Eastern neighbours,”she said on 15 July in Batumi.
According to Catherine Ashton, the EU’s relations with the South Caucasus have been developing rapidly, allowing the launch of the Association Agreements with all three countries (16 July with Azerbaijan and 19 July with Armenia).
The High Representative voiced confidence that the future agreements would be “ambitious and forward-looking,” providing “a framework for a new relationship based on political association and economic integration.”
She said stronger relations between the EU and Georgia could “contribute to Georgia’s democratic development, help secure its long term stability; build prosperity and eradicate poverty.”
Ashton underscored that a deeper democratic development would not only help Georgia enhance its stability and prosperity but also contribute to increasing its “appeal to people living in the separatist regions.”
Catherine Ashton reiterated the EU’s support for Georgia's territorial integrity and non-recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, adding the Union would “continue to remind Russia that it has not complied with the Six Point Agreement and its Implementing Measures.”
She said the EU welcomed Georgia's commitment to solving the conflict only through peaceful means, and encouraged Georgia to implement the Action Plan on the "State Strategy on Occupied Territories".
The High Representative said the EU would remain fully engaged in conflict resolution efforts adding the EU Monitoring Mission remained an indispensable factor for stability.
Concerning the future Associate Agreement with Georgia, she said the negotiators should work “quickly but carefully in order to achieve an Agreement that is sustainable and that brings tangible benefits to all our citizens.”
HR Ashton in Batumi – video
HR Ashton visits EUMM Headquarters – video
ENPI Info Centre webpage - Georgia
ENPI Info Centre webpage - The EU and Georgia
