Sven Mikser, European Parliament member and rapporteur on Georgia, Wednesday presented annual implementing report on the European Union Association Agreement (AA) with Georgia.

The  key elements of the draft hints at various areas Georgia should address.

MEP Mikser says the draft welcomes the EUCO’s decision to recognize Georgia’s European Perspective, but getting the EU candidate status later this year requires from Georgia to successfully address the key priorities.

“The draft calls Georgian authorities to uphold the high standards of democracy, rule of role, fundamental freedoms and pursue the priorities for reforms,” he went on.

It also mentions the “deep polarization” that continues to be a “defining feature of Georgian’s political environment.”

“The draft underlines the importance of implementing genuine and thorough justice reform.

It calls authorities of Georgia to address the shortcomings, identified by the Venice Commission in the nomination and appointment of judges at all levels and also of the Prosecutor General.

The draft also calls for reforms of the High Council of Justice to be carried out.

It calls to effectively investigate the massive illegal wiretapping that was revealed last September and expresses concern about the amendments to the criminal procedure code of Georgia that increases the number of crime.

It also reiterates the importance of independent oversight of Georgia’s state institutions and regrets in that respect the dismantling of the state inspector service against the ODIHR recommendations and highlights the positive role of the Public Defender in protecting human rights and promoting good governance and strengthening the rule of law,” MEP Mikser stated.

source: 1TV