British Ambassador: EU-Georgian Action Plan Key Priority

British Ambassador to Georgia Donald MacLaren said on June 16 that the major priority of the British Embassy in Tbilisi will be working with the Georgian government on the EU-Georgian Action Plan under the EU?s Neighborhood Policy (ENP). The UK will take over the EU Presidency in July for next six months.

The British Ambassador was speaking at the reception marking Queen Elizabeth II’s 79th birthday.

?This [Action Plan] must not be the usual Brussels document. We want it to be realistic, deliverable and action-oriented. We want it to have political, not just technical content ? including due attention to the process of the conflict resolution in Abkhazia and South Ossetia,? Ambassador Donald MacLaren said, adding that ?the international community should pay closer attention? to these conflicts.
 
The European Commission (EC) recommended in early March to significantly intensify relations with Georgia through the development of an Action Plan under the EU?s ENP. The key objectives for the Action Plan outlined by the European Commission are:

? Strengthening respect for the rule of law (reform of judiciary, law enforcement agencies, penitentiary) and enhanced human rights protection;
? Strengthening of democratic structures and pluralism (reform of Parliament, strengthening independence of media, reform of local self government, electoral reform);
? Improvements in the business climate as well as public sector modernization
? Reform of tax and customs administrations and legislation and strengthening the fight against corruption and fraud
? A transparent privatization process
? Progress in poverty reduction, sustainable development; environmental protection
? Progress in the resolution of conflicts and enhanced regional cooperation.
? Prudent macroeconomic policies need to be maintained to support effective implementation of an Action Plan.

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