Declaration in Support of  Georgia’s Aspirations to Join NATO

23.11.2006. 

On  November 23, the Parliament of Latvia (Saeima) in an extraordinary session adopted the following Delaration (70 MPs voted  “for”, 6 – “against”, 0 – abstained)

Declaration in Support of  Georgia’s Aspirations to Join NATO

Noting the significant success in implementing the political, economic, security and defence sector reforms necessary for closer Euro-Atlantic integration of Georgia,

Recognizing that this success demostrates the commitment of the government of Georgia to integrate into Euro-Atrlantic institutions,
 
Recognizing that the prospect of NATO membership is important incentive for the Georgian society in its reform process,
 
Emphasizing that the Atlantic Alliance is open to those countries that share its values and meet its standards, and that enlargement of, or close cooperation with the Alliance has been and remains an important contribution to Euro-Atlantic security and stability,

Recognizing Georgia's wish to engage in a Membership Action Plan as soon as possible and eventually to join NATO,

Welcoming the significant contribution of Georgia to NATO’s peace-keeping efforts in Western Balkans as well as to Operation Iraqi Freedom,

Recognizing the significant progress that Georgia has made in reforming its Armed Forces and in fulfilling the goals set forth in NATO- Georgia Individual Partnership Action Plan,

Welcoming the decision of NATO to begin an Intensified Dialogue with Georgia;
 
Concerned that the unresolved conflicts in the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia continue to provide a source of tension in the region;
 
Noting that Russia should play a more constructive role in the resolution of those conflicts;
 
Recalling the Declaration on Georgia's Relationship with NATO adopted by the NATO Parliamentary Assembly on 30 May 2006;
 
URGES the governments of Latvia and other NATO Allies:
 
At the NATO Riga Summit to recognize and welcome the progress made by Georgia in its efforts to prepare for NATO membership;

To support Georgia’s  engagement in NATO Membership Action Plan;
 
To provide further assistance and advice to Georgia to speed-up its integration into European and Transatlantic institutions;

To assist in finding mutually acceptable solutions to the unresolved conflicts that in the region.