UN follows the trial of Vahagn Chakhalyan

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

On October 7 Mme. 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 of the response letter into English made by "Yerkir" Union from the French original.

Mme Sylvie Guillaume
Brussels, October 7, 2009

Madam,

Thank you for your letter dated September 15, 2009 on the situation with 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 the 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 you mentioned about, 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.

Please accept, Madam, the assurance of my highest consideration.

Benita Ferrero-Waldner