Georgia, Tbilisi, July 12 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
Georgia does not have an alternative to integration into the EU, Georgian Prime Minister Bidizna Ivanishvili said on Friday in Batumi, opening the Eastern Partnership international conference.
"The European way of development was chosen by the whole Georgian people and it's not a choice of one political force. Georgia is a European country and this country wishes to become a part of Europe. There is no alternative," he said.
Ivanishvili said that those who came to power through elections in October last year are determined to build an active democratic society of the European type.
According to the Prime Minister, his government provides true freedom of speech, free courts, free media outlets and carries out democratic reforms.
The Georgian Prime Minister made a promise to Europe to spend the freest presidential elections in Georgia's history. He also said that the rights of all minorities will be protected in the country.
Ivanishvili thanked the EU for support towards Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. He noted that the country has started a successful dialogue with Russia, but does not refuse mediation from the U.S. and Europe in this dialogue.
The Georgian Prime Minister confirmed his country's desire to become a part of the European transport transit corridor as well as a part of the system of gas supplies to Europe from Asia and Azerbaijan.
The 10th International Conference: Georgia's European Way EU's Eastern European Partners-Towards the Vilnius Summit is being held on July 12 in Batumi.
The participants of the conference and representatives of the EU and Eastern Partnership countries will discuss the agenda of European integration, the preparatory process to the Vilnius summit and progress achieved within the framework of the partnership.