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Georgia: EU following trial of Javakheti activist Vahagn Chakhalyan

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  • Georgia: EU following trial of Javakheti activist Vahagn Chakhalyan

    Contact Europe: <mailto:[email protected]> [email protected]
    www.yerkir.eu
    Contact Armenia: Robert Tatoyan
    Mobile: +(374 94) 36 17 93
    E-mail: <mailto:[email protected]> [email protected]


    The European Union is following the trial of the Javakheti political
    activist Vahagn Chakhalyan.

    The European Union Commissioner for External Relations Benita
    Ferrero-Waldner responds to the Member of European Parliament Sylvie
    Guillaume



    On September 15 the Member of the European Parliament, Sylvie Guillaume
    wrote to European Commissioner for External Relations Benita
    Ferrero-Waldner, asking him to draw the attention of the relevant structures
    of the EU to the case of the Javakheti political activist Vahagn Chakhalyan.

    On October 7 Mme. Ferrero-Waldner responded to this letter, stating that the
    European Union is following all the developments in Chakhalyan's trial
    through its Delegation in Georgia. Below is the complete translation of the
    response letter into English, made by "Yerkir" Union (the French original of
    the letter is in a separate attachment).



    Benita Ferrero-Waldner
    European Commission
    Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy

    Sylvie Guillaume
    Member of the European Parliament


    Brussels,
    October 7, 2009


    Madam,

    Thank you for your letter dated September 15, 2009 on the situation with
    national minorities in Georgia. I assure you that it was given the utmost
    attention.

    As you know, the EU and Georgia, as a part of the Neighborhood policy, have
    agreed on a number of ambitious goals. These goals are translated into
    specific commitments undertaken by Georgia in the Action Plan, including the
    functioning of democratic institutions, the rule of law and the respect for
    human rights.

    The document also contains provisions on minorities. The commitments
    undertaken by Georgia in this field include the rights of ethnic minorities
    and their security, respect for property rights and signing and ratification
    of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. All these issues
    are discussed during our regular political dialogue with Georgia and are
    subject to regular review in the Progress Report that we publish annually
    for each country participating in the European Union Neighborhood Policy.

    Moreover, the recent strengthening of the Eastern Partnership, both in its
    multilateral and bilateral dimensions, will give greater importance to
    political dialogue with Georgia. We take every opportunity to remind the
    Georgian authorities about the close link between this and the need for
    further progress on political pluralism, democracy and respect for
    minorities. Moreover, the level of aspiration in relations with the European
    Union will depend on the inclusion of these values into policies and actions
    undertaken by Georgia.

    Please be also advised that additional substantial financial assistance
    granted to Georgia for the period of 2008-2010 was accompanied by renewed
    commitments, undertaken by the Georgian government on democracy, the rule of
    law and independence of the judiciary. We take these issues very seriously.

    Concerning the Justice System, I must tell you that I attach the highest
    importance to the project supporting the reforms in the field, which we
    assist financially. It is aimed at making justice more transparent,
    including implementation of reforms of the Criminal Justice system of the
    state and strengthening the Public Defender's Office.

    Regarding the ongoing trial of Mr. Chakhalyan you mentioned about, I am
    pleased to inform you that we follow all the developments through the
    careful work of our Delegation to Tbilisi. It follows this process
    expeditiously, in close collaboration with the Presidency and Member States
    on the spot.

    Please accept, Madam, the assurance of my highest consideration.

    Benita Ferrero-Waldner
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