By: George Baumgarten
Speaking before the United Nations’ annual “General Debate” in New York, Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili acknowledged the recent acts of aggression that hang like a sword over the Organization’s Agenda. The U.N. was founded, he reminded his listeners, to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”. But the current world situation reminds us of the very one which led to the Organization’s founding in 1945. Repeated acts of aggression against states--including two against Georgia—have led to a condition of tension and fear on our entire planet.
Noting that Georgia has been a member of the “U.N. Family” now for 30 years, the Prime Minister said that Georgia has been judged first in Eastern Europe in the “Rule of Law Index”.
She is attempting to work more closely with both the U.S. and Europe, as well as toward European and Euro-Atlantic integration. And she has applied for full E.U. membership. Georgia, he said, “deserves E.U. member candidate status”.
In support of the E.U. application, the President cited Georgia’s development plan, known as “Vision 2030”. He also pointed up the country’s Financial Services Sector, which he described as “globally recognized”.
The President also strove to include in the nation’s future those citizens living in the Russian-occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. That future is the Black sea security agenda, which is part of the regional “architecture” of the Caucasus.
In spite of everything though, the President asserted that Georgia will spare no effort to foster friendly relations with her neighbors. Therefore, he intends for the South Caucasus to become “a region of opportunities and economic growth”. This should include elements of regional connectivity for economic development. And there will be “flagship projects” to foster such development.
“Georgian dreams”, President Garibashvili said, “are becoming a reality!”. Georgia has made a particular point of investing in education. And she hopes to contribute to Global Peace and a Rules-Based international order.
George Baumgarten is a UN Correspondent and contributor to Jewish Newspapers in North America
© Copyright 2022 George Alan Baumgarten
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