Georgia, EU to sign association agreement June 27

Tbilisi, May 14 (IANS) Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili Wednesday said his country will sign the European Union (EU) association agreement June 27.

Prime Minister Gharibashvili told Council of Europe President Herman van Rompuy, who is visiting the east European nation, that: "This visit is a great honour for us which proves that EU is next to Georgia in the process of European integration... I want to inform you that today we have received consent that Georgia will sign the association agreement on June 27."

Herman van Rompuy told the Georgian prime minister that he would be welcomed in Brussels for signing the association agreement, Xinhua reported.

"Establishing close relations with the EU is very important for your country's security, because you'll have a strong and reliable neighbour," said the Council of Europe chief.

"We took responsibility years ago considering protection of Georgia and we'll continue to protect your territorial integrity. We are on your side and this is the best guarantee for Georgia's security," Herman van Rompuy told a press briefing in Tbilisi.

Gharibashvili said the association agreement would be signed by Georgia and not personally by him. He was replying to a question as to who would travel to Brussels in late June for signing the document.

Herman van Rompuy, however, said: "I want to give you a warm welcome, Mr. Prime Minister, in Brussels when we meet to sign the association agreement."