YouSaid · the spoken record

Irakli Garibashvili

lines on the record: 91
first: 2014-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“On behalf of the Georgian people, it is an honour to speak here at the General Assembly. The United Nations provides each Member State with a platform to voice concerns and share its views about the most pressing challenges and opportunities of our time. Today I bring the same Georgian spirit of cooperation and global engagement that motivated our country to join the United Nations after the restoration of its independence, 30 years ago. While our democratic nation may be young, our values and traditions are deeply rooted. We have survived and thrived through many cycles of history over thousands of years. Our history has helped forge a tough, proud and resilient people, open to the world and to finding our own way forward. Georgia is a diamond in the rough, still seeking to polish its edges to reveal its full potential as a nation.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Let me share my dream for Georgia. I see a country where every young Georgian boy or girl has access to a quality education in order to give them the opportunity to develop their God-given talents. I see a country where people are free from the fear of not having the health care and resources they need to protect their family, livelihood and future. I see a strong, prosperous Georgia that leverages its geographic location as a vital crossroads connecting East and West, North and South. I see a strong and proud nation dedicated to facilitating peace among neighbours, as well as commerce between continents. I see a country that is a force for good and stability in its own neighbourhood, a country that lives up to its responsibilities as a global citizen. Let us walk together in creating a brighter future for the next generations.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Where necessary, we must reform international organizations to meet current demands. In that context, we commend the ongoing inter-State negotiations on Security Council reform, which aim at raising the effectiveness of the United Nations in crisis situations, as defined by the Charter. Increasing the role of small States in the Security Council, avoiding misuse of the veto rights, as well as improving the working methods, should be the cornerstone of the reform process. Thus I express hope that the seventieth anniversary of the United Nations will serve as a reminder to all of us to stand firmly for the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and for the goal of peace and stability throughout the world. In conclusion, let me end where I began. Our vision is clear and our future is bright.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“A core element of Georgia’s security and its Euro- Atlantic integration is its ever-deepening relationship with NATO. Following last year’s NATO Summit, NATO agreed to provide Georgia a substantial package of practical support to strengthen Georgia’s armed forces and make us a more integrated ally. Most recently, we inaugurated a new joint training and evaluation centre in Georgia, where Georgian forces will receive NATO training. We are also increasing the number of training exercises carried out between Georgia and the United States and between Georgia and its NATO allies. The Charter of the United Nations, adopted 70 years ago, was designed to put an end to chaos and to build a better world. Today, the world is still facing unprecedented challenges that require strong political resolve.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Georgia has repeatedly demonstrated its readiness to pay more than its fair share to promote a secure international environment. My country contributed the second-largest number of troops, after the United States, to the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. Our soldiers are among the world’s best. They are the pride of my nation, and we honour them. I would like to take a moment to remember all the brave Georgian troops who serve their nation and have given their lives in the pursuit of peace and freedom. My country’s contributions to our common security do not end there. Georgia also supports the European Union’s peacekeeping efforts, including providing the second- largest troop contribution to the European Union Military Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The revitalization of the Silk Road is an important opportunity to ensure deeper economic and cultural ties between Asia and Europe. We are developing a strong economic and trade relationship with China, and I think the Silk Road region will open up new opportunities. That region accounts for two thirds of the world’s population and 60 per cent of its gross domestic product. I am convinced the Tbilisi Silk Road forum offers great potential to promote cooperation and regional integration. I also want to comment on the recent P5+1 agreement reached with Iran. My country is hopeful 15-29658 23/55 A/70/PV.22 01/10/2015 that the process will develop in a positive direction and contribute to greater security and economic development in the wider region.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We know that the arc of history favours more cooperation, more integration and more prosperity. When we work together, we all succeed and benefit. I look forward to the day when we will share in our mutual prosperity. Despite those challenges, my country seeks to contribute to international peace, security, sustainable development and economic prosperity. Last year I had the honour of announcing Georgia’s intention to establish a Silk Road forum. Today, I am proud that the idea has materialized, and in a few weeks we will host the first-of-its-kind high-level forum in Tbilisi. My country’s location is at a key crossroads linking East with West. That was underscored this year when Georgia hosted both the annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the first meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“I hope that the Russian Federation will finally fulfil its international obligations, including the 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement, and act as a responsible member of the international community. At the same time, I want to once again reaffirm our strong commitment to the peaceful resolution of the conflict, based on the fundamental principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Let me now address the Abkhazian and Ossetian peoples, my brothers and sisters. I firmly believe that no one will rewrite history and erase our common past. All attempts to cut off ties and divide our peoples will fail. We will benefit from a growing Georgian economy soon and from our Association Agreement with the European Union, including increasing trade and visa liberalization.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The pain of the conflict is real. The dislocation is profound. Just since 2012, our Government has provided homes to approximately 10,000 internally displaced families from the occupied territories. Against the backdrop of continued Russian occupation, my Government has nevertheless been clear on the need to forge responsible and pragmatic relations with the Russian Federation. To that end, we have taken a number of constructive, concrete steps to advance trade, transport, communication, humanitarian contacts and tourism when and where possible with Russia. Let me be clear. Relations with Russia cannot be settled at the expense of our sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“I condemn that creeping annexation and Russia’s disregard for international law. A tragic result is that the local population in the occupied territories of Georgia are robbed of the fundamental rights of a free people. De facto authorities recently undertook additional measures to suppress still further the Georgians’ right to be educated in their mother tongue. The freedom of movement and the basic rights of a free nation are crushed, along with the hopes and dreams of hundreds of thousands of victims of ethnic cleansing who only wish to return to their places of origin. I must once again underline the importance of resolution 69/286, on the status of internally displaced persons and refugees from Abkhazia, Georgia, and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, Georgia, and similar resolutions annually adopted by the General Assembly.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“In return, they must come back home and put their skills to use in service to our country. For those hard-working Georgians who cannot travel abroad, we are bringing world-class education right to Georgia. I am proud to say we recently inaugurated a new programme in cooperation with the Millennium Challenge Corporation of the United States. Georgian students can now obtain a United States engineering degree from San Diego State University without leaving Georgia. Even with all those achievements, we still face challenges to our security at home. I regret that since my last address to the United Nations (see A/69/PV.14), the Russian Federation signed the so-called integration treaties with Sukhumi and Tskhinvali. Russia continues to illegally extend its control over Georgian sovereign territory.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“In August, Tbilisi hosted two major sporting events, the European Youth Olympic Festival and the 2015 Union of European Football Associations Super Cup, which provided a unique opportunity to celebrate cooperation over conflict. Speaking of sports, I must take this opportunity to wish the Georgian national rugby team success as they face New Zealand tomorrow at the Rugby World Cup. Our nation is proud of them. 22/55 15-29658 01/10/2015 A/70/PV.22 Another area of our national development is education. I personally know the value of a good education and studying abroad. I want Georgian youths to have that same opportunity. To that end, we launched a new programme where the Georgian Government will provide financial support for our students to study abroad.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Foreign and domestic businesses freely operate in a competitive environment with strong guarantees of private-property rights. The World Bank also ranks Georgia as the fifteenth easiest place to do business in the world. In 2014, Georgia achieved an 87 per cent surge in foreign direct investment (FDI), which is the largest growth in and highest amount of FDI since 2007. Georgia has also become a major tourist destination and venue for international sporting events. The world is catching on to the fact that Georgia has it all — beautiful beaches and stunning mountain resorts, a gourmet tradition, exceptional wines, unique historical sites and world-class hospitality.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“I am also proud of the fact that last year we adopted Georgia’s first comprehensive long-term human rights strategy and enacted a new anti-discrimination law. My Government strives to ensure human rights for all of our people. A free and open democracy goes hand in hand with a free and open marketplace. Economic freedom remains the central pillar of our development plan. Our plan is designed to grow our economy, strengthen our institutions of governance and deliver more jobs and more opportunities for the Georgian people. We are driving growth by making Georgia a great place to do business and an attractive location for foreign investment. Since 2014, we have added 90,000 new jobs in Georgia, covering all sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and energy. Doing business in Georgia continues to be easy.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We have established a social compact that rewards work and enterprise while providing a social safety net for those in need. Despite challenging economic headwinds, we have introduced a national health- care programme and doubled welfare services. In just one important initiative, we will save over 200,000 lives through a new and creative campaign to combat hepatitis C. We are solidifying Georgia’s democracy. Our people demand and deserve a strong democracy and a responsive Government. We have created a system of governance that is more open, more transparent and more accountable to the people than ever before. But we will not rest. More must be done. The 2013 presidential election and the 2014 local elections were praised by international observers as free and fair.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We have dedicated ourselves to democracy, human rights, sustainable development and the promise of peace. We are building a mature democracy and a job-creating economy even in the face of significant regional security threats. The steady arc of our Euro-Atlantic path reflects Georgia’s strong European identity and values. European integration has proved to be a powerful incentive for calm cooperation among European States and their neighbours. We reached a milestone in June 2014, when I signed the Association Agreement with the European Union. As part of Europe, Georgia will become part of that fabric of peace and stability, which can only benefit our own neighbours, and I think it will make us more secure. In the past few years, my Government and our country has made progress in every policy area.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Freedom, fairness and justice, as we say, run through the veins of our people. The Georgian people are committed to the rule of law, to the protection of human rights and to democratic values. We will stay the course on reform, which is the only road to peace and prosperity for our country. We are moving our country forward in the same spirit that our ancestors embodied for thousands of years. Georgia has absorbed the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, principles that have guided our democratic development. We learned quickly and embraced passionately the spirit of international cooperation. So on behalf of all freedom- loving Georgians, I thank the United Nations and all free people around the world for their steadfast support of my country. Today, Georgia is firmly connected to the world and the family of nations.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“According to the rankings, since 2012 Georgia has jumped 13 places in regulatory quality, 16 in voice and accountability, 19 in the rule of law, 22 in political 15-29658 21/55 A/70/PV.22 01/10/2015 stability and in Government effectiveness, and 23 in controlling corruption. That dramatic progress underscores my Government’s determination to strengthen the rule of law and media freedom, build a modern economy and move our nation forward with confidence. By contrast, just two decades ago Georgia was an isolated country torn by civil war, with few functioning institutions of modern statehood. Today we are writing a new chapter in the history of our great nation. Georgia is a modern, dynamic and democratic State. Next year, we will celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of Georgia’s regaining its independence.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“It is a great honour to once again address the General Assembly as we mark the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The occasion provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and to recognize the challenges that remain in achieving peace, security and human rights at home and abroad. Georgia is a small country with a big heart and even bigger dreams. It is on the move and headed in the right direction. Our vision is clear and our future is bright. In a major announcement this week, the World Bank released its comprehensive new report on governance, and I am very proud to say that Georgia was at the top of the charts in overall progress in all six indicators.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“I look forward to seeing many present here today in Tbilisi.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“To that end, I intend to establish a Silk Road forum in 2015, and in Georgia we plan to launch an annual high-level meeting of all States and international organizations that are interested in the future of the Silk Road. The forum will discover new ideas for enhancing cooperation in the fields of transport, energy, trade and people-to-people contacts across the Silk Road. The forum will move beyond discussion to action. In conclusion, let me reaffirm that I am so very confident that our best years are ahead of us, and that our worst are now part of history. I am confident that Georgians have come together to move our nation forward and to fulfil the promise of a strong, independent and free, great Georgian nation. Working together, there is no limit on what Georgia, the region and the world can achieve.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The expansion will lead to approximately $2 billion in new investment by the Consortium in Georgia alone. Of course, that will result in Georgia receiving significant quantities of natural gas to improve our economic development and security. Clean, renewable energy can also be a driver for regional energy cooperation. In Georgia, we are utilizing our massive hydropower resources to become a carbon-neutral country and to export renewable energy to our neighbours. The potential of the region is great, but more is needed to turn such potential into reality. Georgia is ready to use its location as a strategic crossroads and to do its part to fully revitalize the Silk Road.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We have deepened cooperation with Turkey, China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to integrate transportation corridors and open new routes that will bring goods from Asia to Western Europe in record time. Energy resources are a key driver of Silk Road economic development and integration. We support a key route for Caspian Sea oil and gas to travel to Europe. Last year, the Shah Deniz Consortium announced a massive expansion of the South Caucasus Pipeline through Azerbaijan and Georgia, which will bring 16 billion cubic metres of new natural gas to Europe and Turkey and thousands of new jobs to Georgia. Several days ago, I was in Azerbaijan to break ground and lay the first segment of that new pipeline.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Now it is time for the Russian Government to stop the occupation and start on a path to lasting peace. My country is committed to using its strategic location to connect Asia, Europe and the Middle East, thereby expanding trade from one end of Eurasia to the other. The reopening of the Silk Road is one of the greatest achievements brought about by the end of the Cold War. The Silk Road region accounts for two thirds of the world’s population and 60 per cent of its gross domestic product. If its potential is fully tapped, it will become a key force for the expansion of trade, the development of new energy resources and supply chains and the promotion of cultural exchanges. To fully unlock that potential, the international community must redouble its efforts in three key areas: trade and transport, energy, and people-to-people contacts.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“On the second track, we have continued to seek a peaceful settlement of the August 2008 war and the end of Russian occupation of Georgian territory, based on the fundamental principles of international law. The first track has produced significant results and has helped reduce tensions between Georgia and Russia. Trade has reopened and Georgian exports to Russia have increased over 300 per cent. People-to- people exchanges have also increased dramatically. We are coexisting more calmly as neighbours. This approach has also increased stability in the entire South Caucasus region. However, Georgia’s efforts to reduce tensions and extend an olive branch to Russia have not been met with the same spirit of cooperation. We have taken every constructive step.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“However, we will continue to look for pathways to reconciliation with our brothers and sisters in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We Georgians want a good relationship with Russia, but never at the expense of our sovereignty and independence, which we fought so hard to achieve. To that end, we are pursuing a new approach, different from that of our predecessors, in dealing with Russia. We are pursuing a two-track engagement strategy based on our being a responsible, pragmatic and constructive neighbour. On the first track, we started an unconditional dialogue with Russia on the resumption of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We also plan to contribute to institution-building in Afghanistan. We stand with our allies in combating all forms of terrorism and organized crime, anywhere in the world. We are also proud to contribute to the European Union’s efforts under the Common Security and Defence Policy to build peace and security worldwide. In that context, as the second-largest participant, a Georgian battalion and a light infantry company have already started a mission under the EU-led operation in the Central African Republic. Our willingness to serve shoulder to shoulder with our allies is not the only way Georgia is serving as a global security provider. We are also taking a rational approach to reducing regional tensions and preventing conflict. Let me be clear, Georgia will never sacrifice its territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Building on the achievements of the past two years, my country has made significant progress that reinforces our path to eventual NATO membership. The historic NATO Summit reaffirmed that Georgia will be a member of NATO in the future, and our people remain committed to this ultimate objective. As a result of the decisions taken at the Wales Summit, NATO will significantly increase Georgia’s integration and provide tangible cooperation initiatives that will increase Georgia’s capabilities and overall security. We are the largest non-NATO contributor to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF), and we are committed to taking part in the post- ISAF mission. From the operation’s outset, our troops, including medical personnel, staff officers and training instructors, will be ready for deployment.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We must work to find a way for them to participate in our success, including the benefits of our new European Union Association Agreement. I also call on the Russian Government to fulfil its obligations under the 2008 international ceasefire and join in the search for peace, prosperity and reconciliation. Our history and our values are a source of strength. When combined with our strategic location, this allows us to offer something unique to the world and serve as a driver of peace and security. Beyond our borders, we aim to contribute to global security as a supplier of security, not just a consumer. My country’s dedication to becoming a security contributor to the world is evident in our aspirations for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, which are the main pillars of Georgia’s foreign policy.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The international community has spoken with increasing support every year for the right of return by adopting the General Assembly resolution on the “Status of internally displaced persons and refugees from Abkhazia, Georgia, and the Tskhinvali region/ South Ossetia, Georgia”. It is essential that the General Assembly continue to retain this humanitarian issue on the agenda and support the rights of the forcibly displaced with strength and conviction. I should now like to address my brothers and sisters in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. I say to my dear brothers and sisters, I dream of the day when we shall all live together in peace and prosperity. We are committed to the path of reconciliation and restoring Georgia’s full territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Sadly, the sources of new refugees are increasing, not decreasing, especially in the light of current conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. We are also doing everything we can to help our friends in Ukraine by providing humanitarian assistance, political support, technical help — such as sending doctors and medicine — and serving as a safe refuge for children affected by the conflict. We are also helping them implement reforms and strengthen their democratic institutions. The ongoing developments in Ukraine tear at our hearts. We strongly support Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. We hope that the recent peace treaties will put an end to the military operations once and for all and mark the beginning of an irreversible peacemaking process.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“That agenda will address the need to achieve economic stability, sustained economic growth, the promotion of social equity and the protection of the environment. At the same time, we are committed to enhancing gender equality, women’s empowerment and equal employment for every Georgian. The future belongs to the next generation, so the protection and development of our children to achieve their full potential must be based on greater investment in their education. A top area of concern for Georgia is the issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. There are hundreds of thousands of IDPs in Georgia as a result of Russia’s military aggression. Yet Georgia is still taking in refugees from other conflict-torn regions.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“As we deepen our European and Euro-Atlantic integration, we are also becoming a truly open and globalized economy. We are making important investments and reforms to unlock the full potential of the Georgian economy and the Georgian people. From universal health care to investments in clean energy, Georgia is becoming a twenty-first-s we pursue those reforms, we seek to implement the United Nations development agenda beyond 2015. We have become a leader in sustainable development, taking the outcomes of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development seriously. We are ready to work together with the international community to define a post-2015 development agenda that is inclusive and people-centred.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Our new Association Agreement with the European Union and our steadfast movement towards NATO membership form the foundation for that relationship and provide an umbrella for greater engagement. As German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at this very rostrum, there is no development without security and no security without development (see A/65/PV.5). Our Association Agreement is the master plan for the gradual establishment of European political, economic, social and legislative norms and standards. My country has embarked on a demanding path of wide-ranging reforms. We will deliver on our commitments. I believe that Georgia’s democratic transformation can serve as a model for other countries in the region. Today, we pledge to share our experience with nations going through similar transitions.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“While I may not always agree with what the media say or write, I will always fight to make sure that they have the right to the freedom of speech. Such reforms will benefit all citizens of my country. Our goal is to unify our society through the rule of law and democracy. Our commitment to aligning more closely with the United States and Europe goes hand in hand with our commitment to continued democratic transformation. The United States is a key strategic ally of Georgia. The relationship between our countries at all levels of Government has never been stronger. Increased Euro-Atlantic and European integration is our way of returning to the family of European nations, with whom we share a history, a culture and, most important, common values.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We now guarantee the protection of human rights through a new human rights strategy and action plan. In addition, we are equally proud to have enacted a new anti-discrimination law that extends the protection of human rights to all Georgian citizens. We have restored the rule of law by establishing an independent judiciary and by instituting more rights for defendants. We have ended impunity by Government officials and torture and abuse in our prisons. All Georgians are now equal before the law. No one is above the law. Everyone will have the benefit of a judicial process that meets the highest international standards. We are committed to building truly strong, independent and high-quality media. The media, like civil society, are essential to a strong democracy.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The parliamentary, presidential and municipal elections held in Georgia during this two- year period are truly something to celebrate. Because Georgia’s democracy was hard-won, there is no going back. The Georgian people will hold the Government accountable at the ballot box. My Government must earn every vote by serving the people faithfully and by achieving progress for the country. We are strengthening democratic institutions and establishing stronger checks and balances. Our new Constitution decentralizes executive power and creates greater accountability at all levels of Government. Our Parliament now functions as a true legislature. Laws are proposed, debated and amended. Committees hold hearings and question ministers. The old rubber stamp has been thrown away.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We have created a true democracy with a system of governance that is more open, more transparent and more accountable and that upholds the rule of law. We have established a social compact that rewards work and enterprise, while offering support for those in need. As recognized by various international organizations, the Georgia of today is another world compared to that of two decades ago, or even just two years ago. Every sector of our country has advanced dramatically, from health care and education to the economy and the rule of law. We are now at the dawn of a new day for Georgia. Our democratic institutions are stronger. Our foreign policy is making us more secure. Our growing economy is working to benefit all Georgians. We are strengthening and consolidating Georgia’s democracy.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“I would also like to express my gratitude to the international community, our partner countries represented in this Hall and international organizations, especially the United Nations, for supporting Georgia and listening to the Georgian people. Despite all the challenges that we have faced, the citizens of Georgia are full of hope. The support from the international community and international organizations continues to play a crucial role in Georgia’s progress. On behalf of the people of Georgia, we thank them. Georgia’s success is their success. Georgia’s journey is a testament to the good work done by the United Nations and our international partners. In the past two years, we have taken concrete steps to break the vicious cycle of Government corruption, impunity and an economy that benefited only a few.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Our tremendous progress is due to the commitment of the Georgian people to democratic values and their embrace of international cooperation. Because our democratic transformation has been so hard, we do not take anything for granted. To paraphrase President Kennedy: we do not do these things because they are easy, we do them because they are hard. During difficult times, the Georgian people took to the streets in peaceful protest and made their voices heard at the ballot box to ensure that our democratic path continued. I want to express my sincere admiration for the people of Georgia and for their energy and commitment to securing our democratic progress.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“It is a great honour for me to represent my country here at the United Nations. In recent years, the world has witnessed Georgia’s unwavering transformation to freedom, democracy and economic development. We have experienced tremendous advances, and occasional challenges, on our journey to a fuller and more open democracy. We are a vastly stronger nation than we were 20 years ago, and we are a much stronger nation than we were just two years ago. While we have made significant progress in a few short years, we are still a young democracy, and much remains to be done. I am fortunate to be part of a new generation of Georgians who grew up in the years following the Cold War. My entire life is one of being part of remarkable change.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)