The Speaker of the Parliament congratulated the Abkhazian and Ossetian “brothers” on the European Commission’s decision to recommend the European Council to grant Georgia the membership candidate status.

“I congratulate all of Georgia on the decision of the European Commission, [I also congratulate the] Abkhazian and Ossetian brothers, to whom this victory also belongs”, - said Shalva Papuashvili.

He acknowledged the remaining step for the status in the decision of the European Council next month, but said “expectations are positive, especially after last year"s negative decision”.