Judicial reform is a core part of the April agreement and a condition for the disbursement of the EU micro-financial assistance to Georgia. Such a statement made today the European Council President after the meeting with Prime Minister.

“The full implementation of the 19 April agreement is the best guarantee to advance Georgia’s democratic agenda in the interests of country’s citizens. Determined progress in consolidating the rule of law through political and judicial reforms is of particular importance…

Judicial reform is a core part of the April agreement and a condition for the disbursement of the EU micro-financial assistance to Georgia. The recent fast appointment of Supreme Court judges did not fully reflect the results of consultations with international and domestic bodies.

This was clearly a missed opportunity. I also stressed in all my meetings today the central role that the fundamental rights and freedoms play in our, Georgia-EU relations. Rights of minorities are not a marginal issue. Respect for diversity is essential to our fundamental value.

The constitutional rights to freedom of press and freedom of expression must be upheld. I was pleased to see all who signed the agreement committed to the full implementation of the agreement”, - said Charles Michel.