The Chair of the Sector Economy and Economic Policy Committee, David Songulashvili and MP Anton Obolashvili  attend the 49th Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF) in Canada. MPs participated in the sittings of the Political Affairs Committee and the Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.

The Political Affairs Committee, chaired by the French Senator, Christophe-André Frassa, overviewed the political and security milieu within APF and heard the reports about the political situations, progress and challenges in the member states.

D. Songulashvili, in his address, dwelt on the Russian occupation and the significance of the support of international partners.

“Let me start by stressing the key challenge – Russian occupation. For years, Georgia has extended its response to this challenge concerning international norms and principles, however, instead of mitigated threats, the region is becoming even more turbulent and hence, we have to address the accelerated grave situation on a daily basis. Against this background, the significance of support of our international partners is naturally imperative. We have examples of numerous successful cooperation, such as the support of the non-recognition policy of the occupied territories, visa liberalization with the EU countries, free trade, and at last, the receiving of the candidate status. You are well aware that all the institutions of Georgia strive to ensure successful EU membership. Europe and the EU are the choice of our country, which is backed by our Constitution, the aspiration of the Georgian people and the unwavering and consistent steps of the Government. We clearly realize that we need immense effort to achieve the ultimate goal. It requires enhanced dialogue with our partners, which will ensure the EU integration of Georgia is mutually beneficial. The issues that are of high significance for our country are often exposed to speculations and they are used as political instruments, prejudicing the progress of Georgia to the EU. On the road teeming with pressing crosswinds, the support of international partners is imperative. I believe, through cooperation, we will achieve the outlined goal and Georgia will become the EU member state”, - he underlined.

A. Obolashvili also addressed the members of the Committee.

“As you may know, we have upcoming Parliamentary Elections in Georgia in a couple of months. We are through a complicated period due to the political situation in the region, and against such a background, the tie one task for the country is to ensure peaceful, fair and democratic elections in a free milieu. There are no countries left in the world that are not exposed to intensive disinformation campaigns. Appallingly, Georgia also encountered this tendency. There are frequent cases when organized groups, including those from beyond the country, by disseminating forged information, try to affect the election returns and manipulate public opinion. The routine striving for the stable democratic development of the country remains a lingering challenge for the government. We need to fight to achieve the desired choice of Georgia – the EU membership. We realize the degree of complication that we encounter on this road and the efforts all aforementioned aspects require but I am confident that, backed by our international partners, we will successfully achieve the ultimate goal”, - he noted.

Besides, the Committee heard the draft reports on countering disinformation.

The Draft resolution will be officially adopted at the plenary session.