Republican Party and Opposition Statements 
on the Integration of the State of Georgia into NATO
 

Republican Party Statement on Georgia’s Integration into NATO
March 31, 2008

The Republican Party of Georgia re-affirms its position that the integration of Georgia into NATO is of paramount importance for the security and integrity of the state.

We remain faithful to the provisions of the Declaration of the Republican and Conservative Parties (which are united in the parliamentary faction “Democratic Front”) on “The Principles of Georgia’s Integration into NATO and the Normalization of Russo-Georgian Relations” from June 12, 2006; to the “Memorandum of Parliamentary Factions and Political Parties on Georgia’s Membership in NATO” from 12 March, 2007; and to the “Appeal of the Georgian Opposition Parties to NATO Member States from October 4, 2007” (See Attachments 1-3).

Notwithstanding Georgia’s numerous internal political problems that have been caused predominantly by bad governance, there has been a broad socio-political consensus on the necessity of Georgia’s NATO membership. This consensus has never been challenged and was confirmed by the Georgian people in January 2008 plebiscite.

In this framework, we thus appeal to the Heads of the States participating in the Bucharest NATO summit to support granting MAP (Membership Action Plan) to the Georgian state, as a vital step towards achieving NATO membership for Georgia and responding relevant international political challenges. 

Simultaneously, we call on the Heads of States participating in the Bucharest NATO summit to stay firm on requesting fulfillment of all commitments by the Government of Georgia, primarily as to ensuring the Rule of Law, promoting Democracy and Pluralism, protecting Human Rights and Freedom of Speech, and guaranteeing Free and Fair elections. 

March 31, 2008 
Tbilisi
 

Attachment 1
 

D E C L A R A T I O N

of the Republican and Conservative Parties (United Under the Parliamentary Faction “Democratic Front”)
on the Principles of Georgia’s Integration in NATO and Normalization of Russo-Georgian Relations

Tbilisi, June 12, 2006

1. Georgia has stepped into the 21st century with two interrelated vital statehood problems: (1) de-facto loss of sovereignty on the part of its own territory; and (2) a powerful neighboring country continues to interfere in its internal affairs and using methods of intimidation inherited from the imperial past. Accordingly, the process of restoring Georgia’s statehood has not been completed yet, hampering the valuable political formation of a public life.

2. Resolution of these issues cannot be viewed as Georgia’s internal problem only. It is highly unexpected that in the near future the Russian Federation shifts towards modern democratic standards of relations with its neighbors, thus placing the bilateral relations in a mutually beneficial channel. Being in the captivity of hegemonic ambitions, Russian Federation is unable to formulate and protect its own interests in the South Caucasus without causing harm to the statehood of Georgia and its national security.

3. Hence, Georgia’s affiliation to an international system, whose joint forces the Russian Federation must take into consideration, remains a real means for normalizing relations between Georgia and the Russian Federation. Being a part of this system is crucial for Georgia not for gaining advantageous power with respect to Russia, but for neutralizing the actions directed against Georgian statehood. Consequently, Georgia’s affiliation in NATO is a precondition for forming the equal and neighborly interstate relations with the Russian Federation.

4. Affiliation in NATO is not a matter of days or months. Even in the event of the most advantageous scenario, reaching this goal shall require several years. In the meantime, Georgia should engage in intensive dialogue not only with NATO, but also the Russian Federation, other neighbors and partners, and the de-facto authorities and general public of separatist regions in order to make its strategic choice clear to the maximum and acceptable to the possible extents. Georgia should convince all that its affiliation in NATO is not directed against anyone, does not create danger for anyone, but rather aims to provide security to the country and its entire population. At the same time, this shall contribute to achieving stability and security in the geopolitically important region of the South Caucasus. By affiliating with NATO, Georgia should become a more trustworthy, predictable, and perspective partner for its direct neighbors in the South Caucasus region.

5. On the way to NATO Georgia should also develop maximum cooperation and integration with the Black Sea basin countries in the GUAM and other regional organizational formats. Steady approach to the EU membership criteria and the establishment and perception of European liberal and democratic standards in the political, economic, and social spheres are the necessary attributes for full-scale and equal membership of the Euro-Atlantic system of security.

6. A primary goal of Georgia’s affiliation in NATO is to ensure country’s security and unity and to protect its territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders. Therefore, the guarantee of country’s territorial integrity is a major precondition for becoming a member of NATO. This should be absolutely clear as for NATO and its member States, as well as for the neighboring countries. Accordingly, it is totally unacceptable to speculate about Georgia’s affiliation in NATO so that only a part of its territory and population is protected and the problems related to Abkhazia and the former South Ossetian Autonomous District, as well as the IDP population remain unsolved. At the same time, citizens living in Abkhazia and the former South Ossetian Autonomous District should receive clear guarantees that Georgia does not intend to deal with them by means of forceful methods and abusing the NATO factor.

7. By means of affiliating in NATO, Georgia should restore the de-facto sovereignty lost on the part of its territory and not entrust the part of sovereignty seized by the Russian Federation to other entity/player. Georgia should be ready for full contribution to the realization of NATO member countries’ common interests without violating its own strategic interests. Becoming a member of NATO should not be apprehended as alms given by the NATO member States to Georgia. Placing Georgia in the NATO sphere is a mutually beneficial phenomenon and it should be achieved through mutually acceptable ways and means.

8. Georgia’s aspiration to NATO is accompanied by Russia’s attempts to impede this process. Nevertheless, it is equally unacceptable to make recessions that further us from the goal and artificially aggravate relations with the Russian Federation, including acting and making statements that demean the dignity of its leaders or fellow citizens.

9. Integration in NATO makes Georgia a stronger state; and a stronger state should be more responsible, dignified, solid, and trustworthy. Parallel to leaving CIS and integrating in NATO, Georgia should offer the Russian Federation to accept mutually beneficial initiatives and show to the Russian Federation that it does not intend to participate in Russia’s exclusion from the region, but intends to achieve its own security and non-intervention of borders, which would automatically ensure safety for Russia’s southern borders as well.

10. Georgia should be rather solid in relations with the Western partners also. Their interest in Georgia’s integration into the Euro-Atlantic area is not altruistic or fed only on democratic ideals; they also pursue their interests, in achieving which Georgia also plays a certain role. If the country is unable to act as a trustworthy and stable partner that fulfills all obligations undertaken, then the Western states shall seek alternative ways to realize their own interests. Infantilism, non-qualification, and inconsistency of the country’s President and his team could create such obstacles on the way to country’s integration into NATO. NATO membership is only one of the factors promoting economic upheaval, human rights, and the development of democracy in the country. Further, the development of democratic institutes and free entrepreneurship should precede integration in NATO. Unfortunately Saakashvili’s government is still unable to realize this fact. It is obvious that if Georgia loses the unique chance and once again stays alone with Russia and other influential states of the region at this historical stage, then it will be doomed for eternal battle for survival and not the respectful labor for prosperity.

11. Finally, it should be stressed that Georgia’s integration in NATO and the normalization of relations with the Russian Federation is a long-term strategic geopolitical task and in this context it is absolutely crucial to ensure the continuity of a relevant political course. Based on the mentioned, all political parties agreeing with this postulate (regardless whether they represent government or the opposition) should ensure the solution of this task through the joint efforts.

Zviad Dzidziguri – Chairman of the Faction “Democratic Front”
David Usupashvili – Chairman of the Republican Party
Koba Davitashvili – Chairman of the Conservative Party
 

Attachment 2.

MEMORANDUM

of Parliamentary Factions and Political Parties on
Georgia’s Membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

March 12, 2007, Tbilisi

We, the political parties and parliamentary factions of Georgia,

Taking into account the existing geopolitical reality inside and outside of Georgia, created as a result of expansion of European and Euro-Atlantic institutions, unification of Europe and increasing threat of global terrorism,

Based on the common democratic values and steadfast will repeatedly expressed by the Georgian people, the resolution unanimously adopted by the Parliament of Georgia on September 13, 2002 "Starting the Process of Membership of Georgia to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, to live in a democratic member state of Euro-Atlantic security system”, 

Being aware that the creation of proper conditions conducive to strengthening, unity, security and well-being of our country is the major goal of the state policy of Georgia, 

Acknowledging that NATO membership is the best guarantee for unity, territorial integrity, security and democratic development of Georgia, 

Aspiring to carry out stable, consistent and successful foreign policy which shall be the result of the consent between political parties and wider consensus reached within the society,

Principally disagreeing with a viewpoint of possible neutrality of Georgia as an alternative to Georgia’s NATO membership, also deeming absolutely groundless the assertion according to which the process of integration into NATO and NATO membership may pose a threat to the territorial integrity of Georgia, 

Sending clear and unambiguous message to the citizens of Georgia, foreign governments and international organizations,

Aspiring to contribute to the cause of protection of peace in Europe and in the region, spreading values of democracy and fighting against modern global threats,

Solemnly declare that we unanimously agree and support Georgia’s full integration and the membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the possibly shortest period.

To this end, the political parties and parliamentary factions of Georgia agree to act and cooperate in good faith in order to:

1.   Establish Georgia as a stable, liberal and democratic state, where the struggle for maintaining political power or the change of authorities will not pose a threat to the rule of law, civil and political rights, securing private property rights and fair elections at the level of standards of NATO member states.

2.    Develop Georgia’s foreign and defense policy, as an integral part of European and Euro-Atlantic security policy, including participation in the NATO-led peacekeeping and military operations for the settlement of regional and international conflicts and the fight against present challenges.

3.   Guarantee, in accordance with the letter and spirit of the NATO Summit declaration adopted in Riga in 2006, the consistency and legacy of the Georgian state policy aimed at successful completion of the Intensive Dialogue (ID) and the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), at obtaining and successful completion of the Membership Action Plan (MAP),  at initiation and successful completion of negotiations on membership.

4.   Strengthen the country’s defense capabilities and develop the Georgian Armed Forces in compliance with the NATO standards, including through adequate and transparent state budgetary financing.

5.   Use factors, emerging as a result of the country’s integration process   into NATO for settling the existing conflicts on the territory of Georgia by peaceful means and expedite the process of territorial and societal reintegration.

6. Convince all the states of the Caucasus and  the Black Sea region that Georgia’s integration into Euro-Atlantic space is the country’s final sovereign choice that will increase stability and security of the whole region.

ON BEHALF OF:
United National Movement and Parliamentary Faction "National Movement-Democrats,” M. Nadiradze
"New Right” Political Union and Parliamentary Faction "Right Opposition,” D. Gamkrelidze
"Industry will Save Georgia” ("Industrialist” parliamentary faction) Z. Tkemaladze
Conservative Party of Georgia, B. Gudjabidze
Republican Party ,  D. Usupashvili
Parliamentary Faction "Majoritarians,”  B. Jugheli
Parliamentary Faction "Independent Majoritarians,” I. Chkhartishvili
Parliamentary Faction "Regions of Georgia,” G.Liparteliani
Parliamentary Faction "Democratic Front,” D. Zurabishvili 

March 12, 2007, Tbilisi
 

Attachment 3.

Appeal of Georgian Opposition Parties to NATO Member States

Tbilisi, 4 October, 2007

We the undersigned, expressing the will of the majority of the Georgian population and supporting Georgia’s accession to NATO as well as its European integration, express our grave concern with the results of incompetent and irrational policy implemented by President Saakashvili and his government. 

The dissatisfaction of the population, which has been deprived of its dignity and rights, has reached its extreme limits. Inadequate attitude of the authorities towards the most acute problems, aggravates the situation and creates new threats for the country. One of such threats appears to be a hold-up in Georgia’s NATO integration, which is damaging for the vital interest of the Georgian state. 

We believe that in the current circumstances, the only solution will be to hold free and fair parliamentary elections in the spring of 2008, as it was stipulated in the Georgian Constitution before November 2006, when Saakashvili’s team committed yet another constitutional violence. Such a solution would bring the political process back into the constitutional framework and prevent having a parliament which, from April 2008, would become an usurper; also, it would create conditions for transforming the sharp political confrontation into a civilized electoral competition; it would convince NATO Member States that the Georgian people have a democratic potential compatible with the European standard and the political forces that are capable of leading a stable and democratic state. 

We also estimate, that President Saakashvili’s irrational policy is largely determined by undue superficiality and forgiveness on the part of some representatives of NATO Member States’ governments and international organizations.  In spite of this, we believe that the governments of NATO Member States, at least at this critical moment, will give due consideration to the situation in Georgia and beyond and take the right decisions. 

The Georgian society confirms its adherence to democratic values and European choice. Therefore, it should not be punished for the sake of several individuals, being among the authorities, and their irresponsible protectors, and the country’s European integration should not be hindered.

Signed by Leaders of the opposition parties:

Shalva Natelashvili    The Labour Party of Georgia 
David Usupashvili    The Republican Party of Georgia 
Kakha Shartava    Political party – The National Forum 
Zviad Dzidziguri    The Conservative Party of Georgia
Salome Zurabishvili    The Way Of Georgia
Constantine Gamsakhurdia  Political movement “Liberty” (Tavisupleba)
Koka Guntsadze    Movement for the United Georgia
Paata Davitaia    Political Union “Ourselves” (“Chven tviton”)
Koba Davitashvili    People’s Party
Jondi Baghaturia    Political movement “The Georgian Group” (“Kartuli Dasi”)

Tbilisi, 4 October, 2007