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The News in Brief

Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Prepared by Messenger Staff

Mamuka Mdinaradze Affirms Majority of Recommendations Implemented for Georgia's EU Candidacy Status

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the chairman of "Georgian Dream", stated that the majority of the recommendations have been implemented. He further mentioned that there are a few remaining issues, which they are actively addressing, and expressed hope that these recommendations will be duly evaluated by foreign colleagues.

He also mentioned that there will be additional consultations with partners concerning these specific points.

"At the same time, we will need additional consultations to address each point, and European colleagues will not even be able to use a tone of reproach towards us in relation to any of them. Three recommendations were considered fully implemented. Taking a critical and conservative approach, we have observed some progress on the points, with seven out of the eight points practically being addressed. An even more objective assessment would allow us to state that not three, but ten points have been fulfilled. However, if there are any remarks, naturally, we will continue to work in this regard. There are many phrases and sentences that can be discussed. We will have a lot of additional consultations with partners because we ask and demand not to be oppressed, and that the evaluation criteria are also fair.

We observed the evaluation criteria in the previous case, and as a result, the country faced injustice. If only a fair decision based on these criteria had been made, we would have obtained the candidate status. We witnessed their own published evaluation criteria, which demonstrated significant progress in all crucial aspects. However, despite these achievements, we were unable to achieve the candidate status. The European perspective seemed promising, but that was all we received. Therefore, our efforts continue, with a focus on addressing the remaining points. In the end, we will do everything so that no one has an excuse to discuss reasons for non-compliance with the recommendations," stated Mdinaradze.



Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili Holds Farewell Meeting with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden

The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, held a farewell meeting with Ulrik Tideström, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden. The meeting took place at the government administration and focused on discussing the productive cooperation between Georgia and Sweden. Attention was particularly given to the assistance provided by Sweden in various areas of Georgia's development. Gharibashvili acknowledged Sweden as one of the largest international donors to Georgia, emphasizing its significant contribution to the country's democratic and institutional modernization, as well as its socio-economic progress.

The conversation also addressed Georgia's European integration path and Sweden's support in this process, which holds particular significance considering Sweden's presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The meeting acknowledged the progress made by Georgia, including the positive dynamic of implementation of 12 recommendations. The Prime Minister emphasized that Georgia's integration into the European Union is the choice of the Georgian people, and the country awaits candidate status.

Gharibashvili expressed gratitude to Ulrik Tideström for his support of Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the EU integration process, along with his dedication to European reforms. He extended his well wishes for Tideström's future endeavors.