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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