Nato chief Stoltenberg urges democratic reforms in membership hopeful Georgia
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Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze holding a joint news briefing following their talks in Tbilisi.
PHOTO: AFP
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TBILISI - Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on March 18 called on Georgia to consolidate democratic reforms as the Black Sea nation pursues its longstanding bid to join the Euro-Atlantic alliance.
Speaking at a press conference in Tbilisi alongside Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Mr Stoltenberg reiterated Nato’s promise to accept Tbilisi as a full ally once it meets membership criteria.
“Nato stands by your side as you continue your path towards stronger democracy and full Euro-Atlantic integration, including the 2008 Bucharest decision that Georgia will become a member of the Nato alliance,” he said.
At a 2008 summit in the Romanian capital Bucharest, Nato leaders granted Georgia an integration perspective without putting it on a formal membership path.
“It is important that Georgia continues to strengthen domestic reforms, democratic values, and the rule of law, including through free and fair parliamentary elections in October this year,” Mr Stoltenberg added.
The Georgian government has faced growing international criticism over perceived backsliding on democracy.
Mr Stoltenberg also said that “Georgia is facing complex security challenges” in the face of Russia’s “imperial ambitions”.
Membership in Nato and the European Union is enshrined in the country’s constitution and supported – according to opinion polls – by some 80 per cent of the population.
The bid has angered Georgia’s Soviet-era master, Moscow. AFP
