Georgian Ambassador speaks about the first 100 days of the Ivanishvili Government

The border between Azerbaijan and Georgia is agreed on by three-quarters, negotiations continue and talks will soon resume, said the Georgian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Teymuraz Sharashenidze, at a press conference today.

The press conference was devoted to the first 100 days of the new government, formed by a coalition of "Georgian Dream" led by Bidzina Ivanishvili.

During this period, foreign policy focused on four priority areas.

1) Integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures - the first foreign visit by Ivanishvili was to Brussels, where he held meetings with the leaders of the EU and NATO.

2) Development of a strategic partnership with the U.S. - Georgian Foreign Minister Panjikidze visited Washington in May and held successful talks with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

3) Regional cooperation - Ivanishvili made his first visits to Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey.

4) Start a dialogue with Russia - The Prime Minister appointed his envoy for dialogue with Russia, and the Russian side has taken similar steps. As emphasized by Sharashenidze, at this stage, the focus is on restoration of trade, and economic and humanitarian relations. In the sphere of political relations, the path to start a dialogue in cooperation is very long.

At home, it is important to note the social orientation of the budget in 2013. The budget features a two-fold increase in health spending, health insurance for all people, and lowering the price of fuel and electricity.

The government has stated that they place a priority on agricultural sector issues and have created a fund for agricultural development. Funds will be added over time.

Among the areas of democratization, Sharashenidze called for broad amnesty with a motto of justice. Investigations into high-profile cases are being conducted, including the death of former Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania. -06c-