NATO Heads of State and Governments participating in the NATO Summit in Vilnius issued a Communiqué, focusing on the main issues and challenges facing the Alliance.
Concerning Georgia, the Communiqué reiterates the Allies’ commitment to the 2008 Bucharest Summit Decision that Georgia will become a member of the Alliance with the Membership Action Plan as an integral part of the process; the Allies reaffirm all elements of that decision.
The Alliance reiterates its support to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders and “stands firm” in its support for “Georgia’s right to decided its own future and foreign policy course free from outside interference.”
Allies call on Russia to “reverse its recognition the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions of Georgia, to end the militarization of these regions and continued attempts to forcibly separate them from the rest of Georgia through the construction of border-like obstacles.” The Alliance also calls on Russia “to cease the human rights violations and abuses, including arbitrary detentions, and harassments of Georgian citizens.”
Allies state: “We highly appreciate Georgia’s substantial contributions to NATO operations, which demonstrate its commitment and capability to contribute to Euro-Atlantic security.”
They also remain committed “to making full use of the NATO-Georgia Commission and the Annual National Programme (ANP) in deepening political dialogue and practical cooperation with Georgia.”
The Communiqué welcomes the progress made in implementing the enhanced Substantial NATO-Georgia Package.
Allies also state that to advance its Euro-Atlantic aspirations, Georgia must progress on reforms, including key democratic reforms, and make the best use of the ANP.
