Georgia, Tbilisi, Oct. 25 / Trend N. Kirtzkhalia /
The desire to join the EU and Euro-Atlantic orientation and integration into NATO are the Georgian new government's foreign policy priorities.
While representing a government programme called 'For a strong, democratic, united Georgia', Bidzina Ivanishvili made this statement at the Georgian Parliament on Thursday.
Parliament must approve the new government staff today, headed by the Georgian Dream leader.
Bidzina Ivanishvili promised to continue Georgia's participation in NATO operations in Afghanistan, calling the mission important for Georgia.
He added that the new government aims at contributing towards international military operations regarded as an essential component of protecting national interests. "The U.S. remains our main ally," he said.
Ivanishvili promised that Georgia with its peacekeeping policy will be a "reliable and predictable partner" of the international community.
He also promised to start a dialogue with Russia. "We intend to use the existing international mechanisms," he said. "Implementing a balanced regional policy must provide Georgia with a function of uniting Caucasian interests."
Moreover, the new Georgian government intends to strengthen public control over the armed forces.
Ivanishvili said that it will be compulsory to submit public reports of the Defence Ministry to Parliament, including those on financial issues.
A military and parliamentary institution of an Ombudsman will be established within the reforms.
"The full reform of compulsory military service will be implemented," he said. "It will be converted into a potential of a backup service. The National Guard Department will play the main role there."
He stressed that great attention will be paid to gender balance in the army and ensuring equal opportunities.
Earlier the leader of the Georgian Dream coalition which won the recent parliamentary elections, Bidzina Ivanishvili proposed candidates for ministers in the new Georgian government.
Ivanishvili intends to hold the post of Prime Minister.