NATO-Georgia Commission Held in Brussels

Development of Georgia’s Annual National Programme (ANP), which will form the basis for “practical cooperation” between NATO and Georgia, was among the issues discussed at NATO-Georgia Commission meeting in Brussels at the foreign ministerial level on March 5.

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, the NATO secretary general, said in his opening remarks at the meeting that Georgia was currently in the process of developing ANP.

“Today we look forward to a discussion regarding progress on development of the ANP, the ongoing process of reforms in Georgia, a continuation of our dialogue on the regional security situation, and ways to further enhance the NATO-Georgia relationship,” he said.

Hillary Clinton, the U.S. secretary of state, said after the meeting that the U.S. remained in favor of Georgia and Ukraine’s NATO integration.

“I reiterated again today – in our meetings with Ukraine and Georgia – the United States’ firm commitment to each of those nations moving toward NATO membership and our equally strong commitment to work with them along with NATO to make clear that they should not be the subject of Russian intimidation or aggression,” she said.

She said that resumed contacts with Russia in frames of NATO-Russia Council will be used by the alliance “to press,” including those issues, on which disagreements remained, in particular on Georgia. She also said that the fora would also be used as a platform for cooperation in the areas of common interests, like transit to Afghanistan and nonproliferation.

“There are equally serious matters that we need to not stop talking to Russia about. I don’t think you punish Russia by stopping conversations with them about matters, whether it be the misuse of energy supplies or the failure to comply with the requirements set forth by the OSCE and others concerning their actions in Georgia,” Clinton said.

“I think that what we have to be willing to vigorously press the differences that we have while seeking common ground wherever possible. That’s what we intend to do. I believe that our allies understand that. They are well aware that the United States supports them and their national aspirations,” she added.

The Georgian Foreign Ministry reported that Grigol Vashadze, the Georgian foreign minister, met with Hillary Clinton after the NATO-Georgia Commission meeting.

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