Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, together with a delegation, has departed for the Federal Republic of Germany where he will participate in the Munich Security Conference.

Question about the event 

Ambassador Degnan: This conference is an important opportunity to bring together international and Georgian experts to talk about NATO’s comprehensive defense concept and Georgia’s approach to implementing that concept. Women play a central role in the comprehensive defense concept, and we will be discussing that more in the course of today’s conference. There are many examples in Georgia’s history when women have demonstrated the important role that they play in supporting the defense of their country.

That goes all the way back to King Tamar and many battles throughout this country where women have been essential in supporting the defense effort. This is just a modern version of that to ensure that the whole of society is prepared, whether it’s for a natural disaster like a flood or an earthquake or some kind of attack or malicious event. So there are many different aspects to NATO’s comprehensive defense concept, and we’ll be exploring those today.

Question about the European Parliament resolution 

Ambassador Degnan: The United States is not part of the European Parliament. I can say that we weren’t involved in drafting this resolution. I can say that we also regret the continuing polarization of the political environment here in Georgia, and we would certainly agree with the call for the political stakeholders here to come together and implement ambitious democratic judicial and anti-corruption reforms. This is work that is underway, and it needs to be done in an inclusive fashion. I think Georgia has a very good track record of submitting draft legislation like this to the Venice Commission and other European expert bodies for their feedback on whether it does indeed meet European Union standards. At a time when the next very important step on Georgia’s path to its European future is at hand, candidate status, it seems particularly important and worthwhile to submit draft legislation to the Venice Commission to get their assessment of whether the legislation that’s been prepared is compatible and meets European standards. The United States will continue, as we have for the past 30 years, to support the clear will of the Georgian people to live in a secure, stable, prosperous democracy. That is why we are such strong supporters of the people of Georgia’s aspiration for European Union membership and a Euro-Atlantic future. I would hope that all of Georgia’s political leaders, including the ruling party and the opposition, would come together now and make sure that the work that is being done for candidate status is going to meet European Union standards. This is the moment, and I sincerely hope that Georgia’s leaders will accomplish this goal for the people of Georgia.

Question about a news report on European Business Association 

Ambassador Degnan: I don’t know Mr. Lee, and I’m not familiar with the European Business Association, so I really don’t have a comment on this.

Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia participated ibn a High-Level International Donors Conference for Ukraine within the scope of his visit to the Republic of Poland along with numerous other leaders of participating nations.

The Head of Government of Georgia arrived at the national stadium of Warsaw, which was a designated venue of the high-level conference. He was greeted by Mateusz Morawiecki, Prime Minister of Poland and Magdalena Andersson, Prime Minister of Sweden. The High-Level International Donors Conference is co-hosted by the Prime Ministers of Poland and Sweden, in partnership with the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission. Participants of the conference reviewed the consequences of the war waged in Ukraine and discussed the solutions to the humanitarian and economic crisis.

Mateusz Morawiecki, Prime Minister of Poland addressed the audience along with Magdalena Andersson, Prime Minister of Sweden; Charles Michel, President of the European Council and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Participants of the conference also listened to the video address of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine.

Prime Minsiter of Sweden, Spain, Ukraine, Lithunia, Latvia, Albania, Croatia, Iceland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Norway were among the participants of the high-level conference.

The Head of Government of Georgia addressed the participating leaders of states at a Pledging Session of the conference.

International Financial Institutions (IFIs), World Health Organization (WHO) and UN system institutions were engaged in the session along with various leaders of the world.

Georgian attendees of the High-Level International Donors Conference included Ilia Darchiashvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and H.E. Zurab Beridze, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Republic of Poland.

 Press Service of the Government Administration

On January 26, 2022, in the Turkmen capital, at the initiative of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the International Scientific and Practical Conference "Turkmen land - the center of cultural values of world popularity" began its work.

Members of the Government, leaders and representatives of the Halk Maslakhaty and the Mejlis of Milli Gengesh, ministries and departments, public organizations, scientific and educational sphere, scientists and students attended the opening ceremony and plenary session of the forum, which took place in the building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Foreign members of the International Association of Turkmen Alabay from a number of countries joined the conference via digital system.

A video clip dedicated to the national historical and cultural heritage, archaeological findings and traditional ancient ornaments preceded the opening ceremony of the forum.

An exhibition of arts and crafts was placed in the exhibition hall of the CCI; elegant yurts “ak öý” were installed. Here are examples of pottery, tapestries, carpets and rugs, jewelry. On special sites one can see the best representatives of the Turkmen Alabay breed.

A special place at the exhibition is given to the books of the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The plenary session of the scientific and practical conference is devoted to such topics as the development and popularization of the experience of national dog breeding, the peculiarities of the upbringing and breeding of the Turkmen Alabay, archaeological finds, ornaments and patterns of carpets and rugs, which reflected the image of the Alabay, etc.

As the speakers noted, such international platforms not only bring together specialists in the field of cynology, but also contribute to the expansion of a mutually enriching dialogue between countries and peoples in the cultural and humanitarian sphere.

In the speeches of foreign participants, the emphasis was placed on world cultural values, which emphasized that the Turkmen land is the center of ancient civilizations and cultural values of world significance. As noted, the Turkmen people have been making a significant contribution to the spiritual and cultural development of humankind for thousands of years.

Foreign cynologists emphasized that the creation of the International Association of Turkmen Alabay with headquarters in Ashgabat, on the initiative of the leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, was a landmark event.

During the work of the first section "Archaeology, intangible cultural heritage and carpet art - the property of universal culture", held at the Turkmen State Institute of Culture, the participants noted the unique national schools that have accumulated over the centuries and have accumulated the richest experience associated with Akhal-Teke horse breeding, breeding of Alabays, as well as with the dutar - a bright brand of national culture.

The second section "Brave Turkmen Alabay - an amazing gift of fertile nature" was held in the building of the International Association of Turkmen Alabay. Presentations were made here on the fidelity and courage of the Alabay - a defender, a symbol of an indomitable will to win, physical strength and good spiritual strength.

On January 27, the conference will continue its work at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, at the National Carpet Museum and at the Center for Public Organizations of Turkmenistan, where sections will be held on the topics “Brave Turkmen Alabay - a living memory of the times”, “Artistic embodiment of Turkmen Alabay in carpet and arts and crafts ".

A separate section will be devoted to numerous unique works of the head of state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, which are a source of inspiration and guidance in the study of the primordial national values of the Turkmen people.

From 22 to 24 December 2021, the annual meeting of the Heads of Georgian Diplomatic Missions Abroad - "2021 Ambassadors' Annual Conference - Georgia's Foreign Policy against the Background of New Geopolitical Challenges" is held online.
The conference was opened by the Vice Prime Minister/Minister of Foreign Affairs, David Zalkaliani. The President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, and the Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili addressed the participants of the event. The Prime Minister thanked the Foreign Minister and the Diplomatic Corps for their fruitful work and reviewed important foreign policy issues, the positive results related to the country's EU and NATO integration, as well as the Prime Minister's initiative to ensure stability and long-term peace in the region. The focus was put on the development of peace strategy for de-occupation and restoration of territorial integrity, as well as on the strengthening of relations with the diaspora and their involvement in the process of rebuilding the country. The President of Georgia stressed the need to address challenges facing both the country and the world. She expressed solidarity with Ukraine in overcoming the challenges, and highlighted the role of Georgian diplomacy in the process of effectively demonstrating the country's potential and development. She briefed diplomats on the President-initiated Forum of Women Leaders to be held next year.
According to Georgian Foreign Minister, within the framework of the three-day conference, foreign policy activities in 2021 will be summarized and the 2022 action plan will be discussed.
According to him, Georgia in 2021 achieved tangible results internationally. Georgia's participation in NATO, OSCE and Eastern Partnership Foreign Ministerial Meetings is particularly noteworthy, so is the international community’s unwavering support for our country. A number of statements made by the partners on Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within the framework of the OSCE Ministerial Meeting also deserve to be noted. Of great importance was the Prime Minister’s participation in the Eastern Partnership Summit and his efforts to ensure that Georgia's expectations are maximally reflected in the final declaration.
David Zalkaliani also clarified that the ambassadors' conference will discuss the main challenges of 2021, including the issue of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the Russian Federation’s aggressive policy.
As for the future plans, the conference will focus on the next year's action plan which will put Georgia’s NATO and EU integration, completion of work on de-occupation strategy and regional policy will be atop the list of priorities.

MFA of Georgia

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On October 31, while the country was focused on the municipal elections, the Judiciary selected two new members to the High Council of Justice, replacing the previously unannounced early resignation of two sitting members. The process was neither competitive nor transparent. A single candidate was offered for each vacancy. There was little advance notice of the intent to fill the seats left open by the pre-term resignations. There was no opportunity for consultations or participation by a broad range of qualified candidates, nor for meaningful engagement by relevant interlocutors and civil society. It is disappointing that the Judiciary missed the opportunity to show transparency and failed again to elect its representatives through a competitive and democratic election process.

The United States has long sought to build the capacity of qualified and dedicated judges while calling for reforms that would allow for accountability for judges who undermine the legitimacy of the judicial system. This includes seeking legislative amendments to avoid corporatism and to safeguard the principles of democracy, equality, and adherence to the Rule of Law. Judiciary leaders maintain the judiciary is unfairly criticized for the lack of transparent and merit-based appointments, promotions, and transfers. Yet when the Conference of Judges rushes through important decisions without competition or transparency, it demonstrates unwillingness to embrace reforms that would increase transparency, accountability and public trust in the appointment process, the candidates, and in the High Council of Justice. The many qualified, professional members of the judiciary who are shut out by such a closed system deserve better.

An ethical Judiciary is the backbone of a country’s adherence to Rule of Law. An independent and professional judicial system that is trusted by and serves the people is essential to promoting equitable growth and attracting investment by Georgian and foreign businesses. The United States will continue to advocate for and support reforms that will increase accountability, professionalism, and transparency to help Georgia attain the system of justice its people deserve and that is fundamental for Georgia’s chosen path of Euro-Atlantic integration.

On May 25, 2021, HWPL's 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace was held online and attended by 3000 people from 150 countries around the world. This event is held annually by an international peace NGO named Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) in association with its affiliated groups, International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG).

With several cases of international partnership for peacebuilding projects endorsed by youth and women organizations categorized by each region – Africa, Europe, and Asia, this year’s event aimed to discuss a citizen-led peace movement and cooperation to promote coexistence and harmony in the global community, and to overcome global challenges that stem from hatred, conflicts, misunderstanding, and lack of communication in this current pandemic era.

The event commemorated the Declaration of World Peace, proclaimed on May 25^th in 2013, which contains not only the cooperation of each state to establish international law for peace and the role of the media in contribution to sharing information of peace but also the active peace movement of youth and women who seek to transform themselves from the greatest victims of war to the greatest actors for peace.

From this peace initiative, HWPL says that millions of global citizens for 8 years have participated in promoting peace projects locally fitted to creating a favorable environment of peace, including education, relief, and forums to offer public policies to meet the needs of the community.

Chairwoman Pascale Isho Warda of Hammurabi Human Rights Organization(HHRO) in Iraq, who was appointed as Minister of Migration and Displacement by the UN from 2004 to 2005, introduced a legislation project of law that prevents violence against women and children in cooperation with IWPG.

Regarding the importance of peace activities through education, she said, “We need to learn the mechanism of guiding everyone to become a tool of peace, strengthening from daily life, and sometimes throughout the simplest matter of life, starting with personal peace with oneself, in the family, and with others.”

Ven. Ashin Htavara, General Secretary of All Burmese Monks Representative Committee in Norway, who went through the Saffron Revolution in 2007, stated that 3 HWPL Peace Libraries were established in Payapon, Myanmar and that a fourth library is currently being prepared.

 “There are too few libraries for children in Myanmar. I wanted to give hope to these little children. In the future, the library will conduct peace education, peace activities, and peace campaigns, and we will do everything that can help achieve peace,” he said.

The event also advocated global participation in peace activities such as the peace tree planting campaign that began in Ukraine with 1,000 participants from 21 countries and peace policy proposal dialogue between citizens and policy experts in Mali where the recent coup triggered social unrest.

“It is we in this day who have to do all the necessary things to make peace and prevent our globe from being destroyed. War does not end with words, but it comes to an end with our practical actions. I believe that this can be achieved since no one in our global village is not willing to see peace,” highlighted Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL.

For more information, visit http://525dowp8th.org/ or hwpl.kr

On May 25, 2021, HWPL's 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace was held online and attended by 3,000 people from 150 countries around the world. This event is held annually by an international peace NGO named Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) in association with its affiliated groups, International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG).

With several cases of international partnership for peacebuilding projects endorsed by youth and women organizations categorized by each region – Africa, Europe, and Asia, this year’s event aimed to discuss a citizen-led peace movement and cooperation to promote coexistence and harmony in the global community, and to overcome global challenges that stem from hatred, conflicts, misunderstanding, and lack of communication in this current pandemic era.

The event commemorated the Declaration of World Peace, proclaimed on May 25^th in 2013, which contains not only the cooperation of each state to establish international law for peace and the role of the media in contribution to sharing information of peace but also the active peace movement of youth and women who seek to transform themselves from the greatest victims of war to the greatest actors for peace.

From this peace initiative, HWPL says that millions of global citizens for 8 years have participated in promoting peace projects locally fitted to creating a favorable environment of peace, including education, relief, and forums to offer public policies to meet the needs of the community.

Chairwoman Pascale Isho Warda of Hammurabi Human Rights Organization(HHRO) in Iraq, who was appointed as Minister of Migration and Displacement by the UN from 2004 to 2005, introduced a legislation project of law that prevents violence against women and children in cooperation with IWPG.

Regarding the importance of peace activities through education, she said, “We need to learn the mechanism of guiding everyone to become a tool of peace, strengthening from daily life, and sometimes throughout the simplest matter of life, starting with personal peace with oneself, in the family, and with others.”

Ven. Ashin Htavara, General Secretary of All Burmese Monks Representative Committee in Norway, who went through the Saffron Revolution in 2007, stated that 3 HWPL Peace Libraries were established in Payapon, Myanmar and that a fourth library is currently being prepared.

“There are too few libraries for children in Myanmar. I wanted to give hope to these little children. In the future, the library will conduct peace education, peace activities, and peace campaigns, and we will do everything that can help achieve peace,” he said.

The event also advocated global participation in peace activities such as the peace tree planting campaign that began in Ukraine with 1,000 participants from 21 countries and peace policy proposal dialogue between citizens and policy experts in Mali where the recent coup triggered social unrest.

“It is we in this day who have to do all the necessary things to make peace and prevent our globe from being destroyed. War does not end with words, but it comes to an end with our practical actions. I believe that this can be achieved since no one in our global village is not willing to see peace,” highlighted Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL.