NATO appreciates implementation of Annual National Programme by Georgia

Georgia, Tbilisi, Dec. 6 / Trend N.Kirtskhalia / NATO appreciates implementation of the Annual National Programme (ANP) for 2012 by Georgia. The evaluation report of the programme noted that Georgia continues the efficient use of ANP and the NATO-Georgia Commission (NGC), the office of state minister for integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures said. 'In late September, Georgia submitted an ANP evaluation report for 2012. The NATO appraisal mission visited Georgia on October 15-16 to consider the document. With the assistance of the office of state minister for integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures the alliance's delegation held working meetings with representatives of agencies involved in the implementation of the ANP. 'Following consideration of the programme, NATO sent the evaluation report to Georgia. As in the previous years, NATO gave a positive appraisal. The report noted that Georgia continues to implement the efficient use of the ANP and NGC', the report of state minister's office said. According to the ministry, the parliamentary elections and peaceful change of government which took place in Georgia in the 2012 were evaluated in the document as another significant step in the development of democracy and an achievement in the history of the region. "At the same time NATO criticised the fact that the electoral environment was polarised and cases of excessive use of force and pressure were registered resulting in the arrests and fines, mainly in regard to members of the opposition parties," the ministry office said. According to the ministry, in addition the document also noted that in the context of Russia's recognition of Abkhazia and the so called South Ossetia and the militarisation of the region, Georgia's efforts to normalise relations with Russia are welcomed. "The Alliance also welcomes the appointment of a Special Representative of the Georgian Prime Minister for Russia. NATO particularly reiterated Georgia's contribution to the ISAF operation in Afghanistan, as the country is the largest contributor among the non-members of the alliance," the ministry office stated. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az