NATO Welcomes Georgia’s Aspirations for Alliance Membership

(Tbilisi, May 14, 2003. Civil Georgia) – “We welcome Georgia’s ambition to further integrate in the Euro-Atlantic structure,” NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson said at the joint briefing with President Shevardnadze in Tbilisi on May 14.

Lord George Robertson said that NATO’s door remains open, however he added “the NATO membership is a difficult challenge it requires long preparations.”

“Caucasus region is of crucial importance for the security of the whole Euro-Atlantic area. Georgia remains a key partner for NATO. We are determined to develop security arrangement with Georgia and with the other country of this important region,” NATO Secretary General said.

President Shevardnadze said that the issue of Georgia’s integration into NATO was the top issue discussed during the talks with Lord George Robertson.

“I have reiterated Georgia’s determination to speed full membership in the NATO. Let me say that in this regard all the political forces in Georgia are on the same position, there is no disagreement over this issue among the political parties,” Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze said at the joint briefing.

Shevardnadze also said that Georgia has already taken “some steps towards the NATO direction.” “Georgian National Security Council has already approved the program regarding Georgia’s integration in the alliance,” he added.

NATO Secretary General pays one-day visit in Georgia on May 14 in the course of his trip to the South Caucasus countries.

Today Lord George Robertson also meets Georgian Foreign Minister Irakli Menagharishvili and Defense Minister Davit Tevzadze.