Mikheil Saakashvili addressed participants of the winter session of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly. The President of Georgia focused attention on the importance of held elections and peaceful transfer of power. Mikheil Saakashvili spoke about implemented reforms and the experience gained from governing during 8 years, which according to him accelerated the Euro-Atlantic transformation process. The President of Georgia spoke about the country’s Euro Atlantic aspirations and noted that the top priority of Georgia is integration in the European family despite constant obstacles.

During his address the Head of State spoke about ongoing political events in the country and stressed the importance of continuing reforms by the new government and advancement of the country so that Georgia never returns to the past. He added that it is imperative for the development of the country that initiated democratic reforms continue so that freedom of media and judiciary is guaranteed. According to him, the oppression of the opposition, media, local self-governance and other state institutions that is going on in the country is unacceptable. The President of Georgia once again noted that he welcomes the new government’s desire to continue the European and Euro-Atlantic course but this desire must be followed by relevant actions. During his speech the Head of State criticized the statement made by the Prime Minister in Yerevan, and noted that despite good relations with Armenia, Georgia has a firm position regarding NATO which is expressed in the aspiration to join NATO.

Mikheil Saakashvili once again thanked the members of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly for their support in terms of the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration.

The President answered questions of the delegates after his speech. The main topic of interest was the process of cohabitation and Georgian-Russian relations.