19 October

At his meeting in Tbilisi today with President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet discussed Georgia’s integration with NATO and the situation in the occupied territories.

Foreign Minister Paet noted that Estonia supports Georgia’s efforts to achieve NATO membership in accordance with the decisions made at the Bucharest summit. Paet stated that in order to meet its goal Georgia must continue making the necessary reforms and intensify co-operation with NATO.

At the meeting, Paet confirmed Estonia’s support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and non-recognition policy. “Important factors are the work of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM), the restoration of the OSCE mission, and the continuation of the Geneva talks,” said Paet. “The effective implementation of the strategy for the occupied territories would restore trust and co-operation between residents of the occupied areas, the Georgian authorities, and Georgian society,” he added.

At his meeting with President Saakashvili, Foreign Minister Paet also talked about Georgia’s constitutional reform and the parliamentary elections taking place in 2012. “The transparent organisation of the parliamentary elections next fall is essential, as it would confirm that Georgia is a trustworthy adherent to democratic values,” said Paet.