Georgia, Tbilisi, June 3 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
EU Ambassador to Georgia Philip Dimitrov presented a report on implementing Action Plans toward EU-Georgia cooperation. This fourth interim report, which reflects the performance of Georgia's "Action Plan" in 2010, was worked out under the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP).
The interim reports from the European Neighborhood Policy on12 countries, including Georgia, have been published in Brussels on May 26.
Dimitrov said the report on Georgia states that "the whole country had made progress in implementing the ENP Action Plan priorities for 2010." "This is especially true of judicial reform, improving the procedures for conducting elections, increasing women's rights, holding constitutional reform, reforms in trade and business, regional development, as well as a substantial reduction of administrative corruption," he said.
However, Dimitrov said, although administrative corruption has been eliminated, there are individual cases of corruption among the elite, whom the Georgian authorities will have to fight.
Moreover, Dimitrov said the report identifies those areas in which Georgia is to strengthen reform. "Georgia needs to intensify its efforts to consolidate democracy, especially in relation to political and media pluralism. The rights and integration of ethnic minorities, as well as corruption among senior officials, remain areas which require greater effort," he said, referring to the report.
Georgia also must continue efforts to reduce unemployment and poverty. "The convergence of Georgia and the EU depends on how Georgia will resolve these issues," he said.
Dimitrov reiterated the EU's commitment to Georgia's territorial integrity and peaceful resolution of conflicts. "The EU therefore welcomes the Georgian president's statements on non-use of force," he said.
Georgia joined the European Neighborhood Policy on Nov.14, 2004. The Action Plan is a policy document that defines the strategic objectives of cooperation between Georgia and the EU.