EU FOLLOWING JAVAKHETI POLITICAL ACTIVIST VAHAGN CHAKHALYAN’S TRIAL

Tert
Oct 28 2009
Armenia

A press release issued by Yerkir Union of Non-Governmental
Organizations for Repatriation and Settlement reads as follows:

"On September 15, European Parliament member Sylvie Guillaume wrote to
European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner,
asking her to draw the attention of the EU’s relevant structures to
the case of Javakheti political activist Vahagn Chakhalyan.

"On October 7 Ms. Ferrero-Waldner responded to this letter, stating
that the European Union is following all the developments in
Chakhalyan’s trial through its delegation in Georgia.

"Below is the complete translation (made by "Yerkir" Union into
English) of the letter sent to Ms. Guillaume from Ms. Benita
Ferrero-Waldner:

"Brussels, October 7, 2009

"Madam,

"Thank you for your letter dated September 15, 2009, on the situation
of national minorities in Georgia. I assure you that it was given
the utmost attention.

"As you know, the EU and Georgia, as a part of the Neighborhood Policy,
have agreed on a number of ambitious goals. These goals are translated
into specific commitments undertaken by Georgia in the Action Plan,
including the functioning of democratic institutions, the rule of
law and respect for human rights.

"The document also contains provisions on minorities. The commitments
undertaken by Georgia in this field include the rights of ethnic
minorities and their security, respect for property rights and
signing and ratification of the European Charter for Regional or
Minority Languages. All these issues are discussed during our regular
political dialogue with Georgia and are subject to regular review
in the Progress Report that we publish annually for each country
participating in the European Union Neighborhood Policy.

"Moreover, the recent strengthening of the Eastern Partnership, both in
its multilateral and bilateral dimensions, will give greater importance
to political dialogue with Georgia. We take every opportunity to
remind the Georgian authorities about the close link between this and
the need for further progress on political pluralism, democracy and
respect for minorities. Moreover, the level of aspiration in relations
with the European Union will depend on the inclusion of these values
into policies and actions undertaken by Georgia.

"Please be also advised that additional substantial financial
assistance granted to Georgia for the period of 2008-2010 was
accompanied by renewed commitments, undertaken by the Georgian
government on democracy, the rule of law and independence of the
judiciary. We take these issues very seriously.

"Concerning the Justice System, I must tell you that I attach the
highest importance to the project supporting the reforms in the
field, which we assist financially. It is aimed at making justice
more transparent, including implementation of reforms of the Criminal
Justice system of the state and strengthening the Public Defender’s
Office.

"Regarding the ongoing trial of Mr. Chakhalyan which you mentioned,
I am pleased to inform you that we follow all the developments through
the careful work of our Delegation to Tbilisi. It follows this process
expeditiously, in close collaboration with the Presidency and Member
States on the spot."