From: Justin Burke (JBurke@sorosny.org)
Date: Tue Sep 09 2003 - 08:55:09 EDT
Georgian leader views Georgia's fight against human trafficking as
successful
Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze has rejected criticism that
Georgia does not take proper steps to curb human trafficking. In his
weekly radio interview, Shevardnadze said that the fight against the
"horrendous vice" was under way and cited an investigation into several
recent incidents of child trafficking as examples. He admitted, however,
that officials could be involved in trafficking. Commenting on the
recent explosion in the provincial governor's office building, he said
that motive was apparently criminal rather than political. On the
November parliamentary elections, Shevardnadze said he was confident
that the new staff of the Central Electoral Commission and up to 600
foreign observers would secure fair elections and that the chances of
the pro-government election bloc increased after the
Christian-Democratic Union had joined it. The following is an excerpt
from the interview conducted by journalist Nato Oniani broadcast live by
Georgian radio on 8 September, with subheadings inserted
editorially:
National unity to secure country's independence
[Oniani] [Passage omitted] Mr President, let us begin our conversation
with an important day, last Saturday, on which festivities were held in
Didgori [an area in southeastern Georgia, where Georgian troops won a
decisive victory in the 12th century which led to the country's
unification]. The first Didgori festivities were held in 1995 and you
said that the festivities would become a tradition.
[Shevardnadze] Good morning. Greetings. Apart from having a historic
significance, the Didgori victory can be seen as a didactic event. Its
essence is the significance of unity, unification and unanimity for
Georgia's statehood. That is why, in my speech at the Didgori plain, I
appealed to my countrymen for unity and consensus and unanimity, which,
as I have repeatedly said, does not imply the similarity in thinking. On
the contrary, respect for a different opinion is the major prerequisite
of unanimity. We may have different opinions about the course and
methods of Georgia's development but, as it happened in Didgori, we
should be unanimous when defending our main achievement, which is our
country's independence and democratic statehood. I believe that the
Didgori festivities can be cited as an excellent example of this.
Representatives of nearly all the regions of Georgia, outstanding public
figures and common citizens, for whom Didgori is the symbol of the
victorious motherland, took part in the festivities. [Passage omitted]
Care to be taken when changing state emblems
Didgori is Georgia's symbol and we should take great care of it and all
other state emblems, including those endorsed by the constitution. I
would like to say once again that as no-one would think of corrupting
and insulting the national phenomenon of Didgori, so everyone should
take great care when dealing with other symbols, primarily the country's
flag. The flag is not a mere banner. It is a state institution and
therefore we should not act hastily when taking any decision about it.
The flag is usually expressing a doctrine which is the foundation of the
state. The current constitution has declared Georgia as a legal heir of
the first Georgian republic and we should bear in mind that the present
flag was created in that republic. That is why I suppose that any hasty
decision could diminish the political and state significance of the
flag. It might take several generations to create a new flag, its new
image and substance. You know that a state commission has been working
on the issue for some time now but it has failed to produce a unanimous
opinion so far. It is not surprising because there is no unanimity in
society as a whole. A personal liking does not matter in this case. The
main thing is that the flag is the carrier of a state's code and the
reflection of its past and present. [Passage omitted]
Ajaria - Georgia's stronghold
[Oniani] Mr President, another significant event is being marked in
Georgia, the 125th anniversary of the reunification of Ajaria with
mother Georgia. Sadly, Georgia cannot boast of many similarly bright
events in its history.
[Shevardnadze] Thank you for asking this question. The reunification of
Ajaria with its motherland is not only a bright and happy event but also
one of the most important and significant events. I am not going to
elaborate on historical facts. However, the reunification of Ajaria with
Georgia was a prerequisite for the strengthening of Georgia's statehood
and the laying of the future Georgian state's foundation.
Ajaria has always been and will be our country's firmest fortress and
stronghold. Every citizen of Georgia treasures Ajaria, primarily its
sons and daughters, true Georgians, who live in this affluent part of
Georgia, its sea, mountains and plains and its strength which has more
than once played a significant and even crucial role in Georgia's
historic victories. Ajaria is our pride, the clear image of great
Georgian traditions and on this happy day, I wish Ajaria prosperity
which would strengthen the hope and the wellbeing of Georgia as a whole.
New Electoral Commission, observers to ensure fare elections
[Oniani] Parliamentary elections are to be held in two months' time. The
Central Electoral Commission chairperson has already been appointed. It
is Nana Devdariani. Along with the elections, a referendum on the need
to reduce the number of members of parliament is to be held, as well.
Does it mean that initial steps have already been taken towards major
constitutional amendments?
[Shevardnadze] I have to say that the election process, on the whole, is
being conducted in a normal way. Following the appointment of Ms Nana
Devdariani as chairwoman of the Central Electoral Commission, positive
trends became tangible in the resolution of problems which caused
certain concern earlier. I mean the complete transparency of the
elections, the creation of ideal conditions for the mass media rather
than restricting its activities, the invitation of observers and the
publication of the lists of voters. As far as I know, over 400 observers
have already given their consent to arrive and monitor the elections in
Georgia and, as I have been told, their number is likely to rise to 600.
Can you imagine, 600 observers will monitor the elections?
I am confident that all other organizational issues will be settled in
the very near future. Special polls have confirmed that rate of public
trust in the new staff of the Central Electoral Commission is fairly
high. It is very important because the Central Electoral Commission,
together with the country's executive and legislative authorities, as
well as local government bodies, should shoulder responsibility for,
first and foremost, protecting democracy during the elections. We will
do our best to ensure that the 2 November elections can be regarded as
objective and bribe-free. I would like to reiterate my concern with
parliament's failure to adopt the law on punishing those involved in
bribing the electorate. The hope is that when parliament resumes its
session, the law will be adopted. [Passage omitted]
Referendum on reduction of number of MPs - important event
The 2 November elections have acquired another significant feature. Last
week, I signed a decree on holding a referendum on the same day. I had
been contemplating the issue for a long time because, as you know, such
a significant event, the second referendum in the history of Georgia,
requires a thorough analysis of everything. However, the president had
no right to break the law by disregarding a request made by the
significant part of the population. As you obviously know, the Former
Political Prisoners for Human Rights nongovernmental organization,
together with some other organizations, has collected the required
number of signatures under the petition. As a result, the president has
been authorized to call the referendum. Though, I would like you to note
that the final decision on the reduction of the number of members of
parliament and the appropriate amendments in the constitution will be
taken only by the newly-elected parliament in accordance with the
outcome of the referendum. [Passage omitted]
Next parliament to endorse major constitutional amendments
We have been preparing for filling some gaps in the constitution for a
long time. I mean the constitutional provision about the country's
territorial and administrative structure which would turn into the major
prerequisite for the restoration of Georgia's territorial integrity. To
do this, we need to amend and develop some other constitutional
institutions in accordance with a new system. However, the
constitutional reform will not affect the major provisions of the
country's fundamental law like independence, the democratic system, the
protection of human rights and many other provisions. In my address to
parliament and the nation, I offered my proposal to establish a
bicameral parliament in Georgia. If it cannot be done now, and
apparently we cannot do it in the weeks remaining till the elections,
the following parliament should be bicameral and consist of the Lower
Chamber and the Senate. This is my firm opinion. If we want to restore
the country's territorial integrity, we should fill the constitutional
gap - you may recall that we were not able to do it in 1995 when
adopting the constitution and left the issue open - and reconcile
ourselves to the thought that the structure of the authorities must be
changed. Otherwise, the new system of country's structure will prove to
be ineffective. We should also consider the expediency of introducing
the institution of a cabinet of ministers. You may recall that I made
this proposal a long time ago and submitted a package of the relevant
draft laws two years ago. Sadly, parliament has failed to begin
discussions on the issue so far. Obviously, to take decisions on such
issues is parliament's supreme prerogative. [Passage omitted]
Christian Democrats to strengthen pro-government election bloc
[Oniani] I would like to continue the subject of elections. The
Christian-Democratic Union is said to have joined the progovernment
election bloc and its leader [former Minister of State] Vazha
Lortkipanidze is likely to be among the first on the bloc's shortlist.
How significant do you think this alliance is?
[Shevardnadze] It is a serious issue. So is the bloc with its
constituent parties, the number of the parties and support it enjoys
among the electorate. Speaking about prospects for our For a New Georgia
election coalition, we have often said that the door of the coalition is
open and that the coalition is ready for broad cooperation with any
force that agrees with the president's and our team's strategic
programme.
Society knows Mr Vazha Lortkipanidze very well. He is a reputable
political and public figure. He has gained broad experience. In the
past, he always played a very positive role as a calm, balanced,
communicative and highly-skilled intellectual. He is able to find common
language with opponents, even with very demanding ones, and to balance
the difference of opinions. I have known him for a long time and I have
always regarded him as an interesting person. He may take the top line
on the election shortlist. This has a fairly specific reason and aim. I
have to say - and it is no secret at all - that it was the minister of
state, head of the block's election campaign Avtandil Jorbenadze, who
made this proposal.
Mr Vazha Lortkipanidze chairs the Georgian Christian-Democratic Union.
This organization is regarded on the European continent as the prime
image of Europeism, the common European liberalism and the formation of
a unified Europe. Ludwig Erhard and Konrad Adenauer were at the source
of the Christian-Democratic movement in Europe and many outstanding
political figures joined this movement later. The Christian-Democratic
parties enjoy an absolute majority in the European Parliament and this
clearly shows in what direction the pan-European processes will develop
in the next few years.
Thus, the joining of our coalition by the Georgian Christian-Democratic
Union and its leader will become yet another confirmation of Georgia's
striving for Euro-Atlantic integration. This will once again refute all
the insinuations about the change of the country's foreign political
course.
I am confident that Mr Vazha Lortkipanidze and his team, the Georgian
Christian Democrats, will, together with us, accomplish this mission
effectively.
We are trying to create a balance in our For a New Georgia election bloc
between the parties that pursue the European integration course on the
one hand and the public organizations and associations that have not
been politicized so far on the other. Both segments of the alliance have
their functions and harmony among them will ensure a success in the
forthcoming elections.
Fresh steps to curb corruption in tax collection
[Oniani] The pensions and salaries issue is still topical in the run-up
to the elections. It has been said that the customs and tax collection
structures will take over investigation and detection functions. In
addition, the Special Legion, namely hundreds of people employed by the
legion, will be facing serious problems. How true are rumours about
plans to abolish the Special Legion?
[Shevardnadze] I would like to say a few words about the budget. The
budget, as the economic foundation of the state and the main source of
the population's wellbeing, has indeed been and will be our main
concern. Many difficulties notwithstanding, a lot has been done lately,
but the government has not managed to pay off all its debts yet. Though,
there are unambiguous prerequisites for resolving the problem in the
next few months. We already know what to offer pensioners. When speaking
of prerequisites, I primarily mean an unprecedented growth rate in the
country's economy. The gross domestic product has grown by nearly 10 per
cent. [Passage omitted]
At the moment, the main problem is to eradicate corruption in the sphere
of tax collection and the major objective is to run the relevant
institutions at their full capacity. We consider it very important to
vest the detection and investigation functions upon the Customs
Department. Similar functions have been vested in the Tax Department.
Actually, there is no country in the world where these services do not
carry out these functions. Their responsibilities will increase
accordingly and they will have to add vigour to the fight against
smugglers and tax evaders. I also consider it very important that
coordinating and controlling functions of the Finance Ministry should
broaden. [Passage omitted]
We all have to acknowledge the serious role the ministries of internal
affairs and state security have played in the fight against smugglers
and tax evaders. They did a lot in August and have gained broad
experience in the field. I believe we will still need such a joint work
in the sphere in September and apparently in October.
As regards the Special Legion, it has not been abolished. A strong
investigation detachment will be established on its basis. We will apply
to the process of reorganization all the positive experience the legion
has gained. At the same time, individuals who are not able to work in
the investigation sphere will be assigned to the relevant jobs in the
Tax Department and Customs Department.
Georgia - important part of Eurasian transport corridor
Continuing the subject of the economy, I would like to say that the
transportation of a large amount of humanitarian goods to Afghanistan
through Georgia is beginning. Not only does this fact reaffirm the
significance of the new Silk Road but also clearly demonstrates
Georgia's role and function within the global antiterrorist coalition.
It will be a very significant action. The action is being carried out
within the TRACECA [transport corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia] format.
Incidentally, I have to say that Afghanistan, as well as some other
countries, has already applied for TRACECA membership. I fully support
Afghanistan's desire to join TRACECA.
The Daimler-Creisler is the driving force behind this action. Obviously,
the Georgian Ministry of Transport and other organizations, including
regional structures, will do their best to ensure that the action is
successfully accomplished.
Census confirms high standard of education in Georgia
[Oniani] You mentioned nonpolitical associations at the beginning of the
interview. Do you intend to hold a meeting with representatives of the
education sphere and teachers? I still link this question to the
elections as various parties are working vigorously with this segment of
society and the government has given certain promises to teachers.
[Shevardnadze] First of all, such meetings are no novelty at all. You
may recall that I attended the congress of physicians, had meetings with
road builders and representatives of the transport sphere, employees of
the Georgian railway and others. I believe that meetings with
representatives of individual professions are very important both for
the president and the professionals because all these meetings are
usually followed by serious decisions, directives and even decrees aimed
at improving the situation in the spheres.
As for a meeting with teachers and other representatives of the
education sphere, the Department of Statistics has recently provided me
with the results of the census and specifically the data on the level of
the population's education. It should be noted that the level is quite
high, if not one of the highest in the world. This is one of Georgia's
assets which we have to cherish and take particular care of. We often
say that there is no shortage of intellectuals in the country. It goes
to the education sphere's credit, does it not?
Reintroduction of free school education - major achievement
As you already know, teachers' salaries have been raised once by 30 per
cent and then again by 30 per cent. That is to say, their salaries have
risen twice in the recent months. Salaries of university teachers and
professors have also risen.
Having said that, absolutely free school education has been reintroduced
in the country. I remember very well the shocking effect of the
introduction of school fees on the population. In due time, the state
found it possible to abolish fees and reintroduce free school education.
It is a great achievement. I have no doubt that some people and some
political groups will emerge immediately and try to take credit for this
achievement. Let them take credit for it. It does not matter. The main
point is that school education is free in Georgia. It is the state that
has done it. So, I am not going to a meeting with teachers empty-handed.
[Passage omitted. Speaks of the significance of teachers for society]
No political motive seen in government office blast
[Oniani] Mr President, an explosion occurred in [the southern Georgian
province of] Samtskhe-Javakheti. The explosion has been assessed as an
act of terrorism against the new governor. What is your opinion about
the incident, considering particularly that an employee of the
provincial administration sustained a very serious injury in the
incident. Who could have organized the explosion?
[Shevardnadze] First of all, I would like to extend my sincere
sympathies to the victims of this outrageous act of terrorism. Two
people were injured. One escaped with light injuries, while the other
suffered serious injuries and is now in hospital in Tbilisi. We
constantly monitor his condition. Incidentally, the Samtskhe-Javakheti
governor [Gela Kvaratskhelia] arrived in Tbilisi and visited him
yesterday. The state will do its best to ensure that their health is
restored to normal.
I have given a special assignment to the Georgian minister of state
security, the minister of internal affairs and the prosecutor-general to
do their best to ensure that the incident is properly investigated in
order to expose the forces who dared to commit an act of terrorism
several years after the previous ones. Whatever the motive, it is an
action directed against the state. As regards the motive, I personally
cannot see any political lead. I suppose, we are dealing with the
activities of criminal forces. However, the insolence of criminals calls
for an appropriate response.
"Insolent criminals to get appropriate punishment
Mr Gela Kvaratskhelia, the president's provincial representative, and
his associates intend to intensify ten-fold their fight against
smugglers and representatives of organized crime. They also intend to
improve the personnel policy. If certain changes prove to be essential,
they will carry out such changes, as well.
This is apparently the reason for such an exasperation of the criminals.
Though, we can recall that they failed to achieve their goal even when
our state was still at the initial stage of its development. You know
what I mean [apparently the 1995 and 1998 attempts on the president's
life]. Today, with the full-fledged democratic Georgian state already
established, they look really miserable and I am confident they will not
be able to avoid a court trial.
Child trafficking - "horrendous vice"
[Oniani] Having touched upon the subject of criminals, I would like to
ask another question on the same subject. Although any crime inflicts
pain on the population, there are crimes which, as a rule, are regarded
as particularly outrageous. The Prosecutor's Office and the Ministry of
Internal Affairs have revealed the instances of babies being sold
abroad. What guarantees can be given to society that all these incidents
will be properly investigated and that all the perpetrators will be
punished appropriately.
[Shevardnadze] I would like to remind you that selling babies abroad
used to be a very widespread vice in Georgia. We must admit it and we
must speak about it. On the initiative of several public organizations,
particularly the Women's Movement, we drew up a draft law on
strengthening the fight against this truly horrendous vice.
Subsequently, parliament adopted the law. Though, I have to say that the
law has proved to be rather lenient.
I am confident that investigators will solve the current cases in due
time and society will learn a lot about it. Correct me if I am wrong,
but I suppose special news conferences have been scheduled for today and
tomorrow. I will refrain from naming any names. It is simply
unbelievable that one lady, I cannot name her for understandable
reasons, has been to the United States of America 14 times. Fourteen
times. Obviously, she would not go there empty-handed. She would buy
children and take them there.
The central and local bodies of the authorities will have to draw
appropriate conclusions. I mean executive structures, local district,
town and village administrators and also representatives of health care
system, particularly maternity hospitals, lawyers and others.
I have to draw the following conclusion. This incident, as well as many
other facts like it, shows that the fierce fight against trafficking is
under way in Georgia. You know that there have been some critical
remarks, saying that Georgia is not fighting against this kind of crime.
However, the facts speak of the opposite.
Officials "apparently" involved in human trafficking
There have been incidents of this kind but they have been detected and
revealed and this fight will continue until complete order has been
established.
Incidentally, children are not the only target. There are some other
cases, as well. For instance, young girls go to neighbouring countries.
They are then forced to stay and work there and to commit some other
crimes. I am aware of several facts of this kind. Appropriate measures
have been taken. Those states have provided us with assistance and the
young women have returned to their families.
[Oniani] Though, such incidents could not have happened without the
backing from certain official structures. You said that a lady had been
to the United States of America 14 times. Someone can take a risk and
commit such a crime once or twice but when you do it 14 times, it means
that there is a structure which guarantees your safety and guarantees
that you always have children to sell. The crime in itself is outrageous
but it is clear that it is not committed by one individual on his or her
own.
[Shevardnadze] It is a part of organized crime. There are, indeed,
various structures which allowed the crime to be committed by supporting
the criminals and I do not think there was no financial interest
involved. Everyone involved, both on the central and local levels,
apparently got their share in it. [Passage omitted]
Source: Georgian Radio, Tbilisi, in Georgian 0601 gmt 8 Sep 03
BBC Mon FS1 FsuPol ir/ab
|
