The United National Movement: Guiding Principles

The mission of the United National Movement is to build a strong Georgia based on a society that is free, developing and democratic.

Our primary goals are defending freedom, strengthening democracy and facilitating the development of society. We believe that only this way can we achieve the dream of each and every one of us—a strong Georgia,

All of the other decisions, positions, and proposals described below are based on this core mission and these primary goals. We want to create an organization which will realize this mission and meet the needs of our country; an organization in which each member nurtures our shared vision. We want to create an organization which will be of service to the country for a long time so that we might best achieve our cherished goals.

The following sections cover such issues as how we envision our organization in 2010, which are the central values in the party, by which each member should be guided; the strategic concepts that will guide us during the coming years, our goals for 2005-2006 and our plans for achieving these goals.

Ten Central Principles for the Functioning of the Organization

In order to fulfill our mission and achieve results in the short and long term, we must unfailingly abide by the rules and principles listed below. Each of us whom the party unites, and especially those through whose efforts and by whose example our organization is managed, should conduct ourselves in accordance with these values:

1.      A strong Georgia, based on a strong society, is our organization’s core goal. We believe that a strong Georgia can only be built through freedom, democracy and constant development of our society. This is the central principle that underlies all other views, decisions and actions.

2.      For us, state interests are akin to the interests of a well informed society. Society is the main force, which governs the state by means of government and political forces. Our main function is to serve society and help it govern the country coming out from its own interests.

3.      When government deeds and the public interest conflict, our party stands firmly on the side of the public interest. We will pressure the government and all of its branches at all times to act only in accordance with the public interest and to respect that interest as supreme.

4.      Strong opposition from other parties is something which we should encourage and welcome, because it motivates us and gives us incentives to be resourceful, efficient and successful in fulfilling our mission. This is why we must never hinder other parties. Our main tools in the competitive struggle with them will be the success of our policies in bringing social benefit and the open exchange of information in society. We must always consider opposition parties’ points of view, pay attention to what their example and use good ideas, no matter who introduced them, to fulfill our mission.

5.      We believe that a robust and free mass media is the only means to achieving the broadest possible knowledge of what is happening in our country, what ails society and what the public needs and demands. Such a media also the best means for promoting an informed assessment of our policy results. This is why our main concern regarding media will be to facilitate its free and independent development.

6.      It is more important that things get done, than it is who does them. This principle obliges us to collaborate widely, including with non-governmental organizations, other political parties, and other organizations. By collaborating, we can do more for society than we could alone. We understand that this is how those who claim to be leading forces in the country and who enjoy popular support must act.

7.      Our party must never take steps which allow harm to come to even the smallest section of the society; it must always consider the full impact of its decisions, and act so as not to jeopardize the interests of one social group because of the interests of another.

8.      We must never allow personal relationships to interfere with decision making, nor permit favoritism of individuals or groups. We will use systems of clear criteria and strive to be completely objective while making decisions and evaluations.

9.      We must never make decisions which, by responding to short term goals and circumstances, impede fulfillment of the party’s long term goals and tasks. We are undertaking to build an organization that can serve society for as long as possible.

10.  Honesty always, with everyone and in all matters—this is an overriding principle, without which we can neither earn nor deserve the trust of the public; and trust is the most necessary precondition for the complete fulfillment of our vision.

The principles listed above shall be the primary point of reference for all those authorized to make decisions on behalf of the party. Reference to these principles can provide a common understanding so that party work can be more effective, efficient and responsible.

Five Main Rules for Party Members

In order to fulfill our mission, we must have the personnel who embody this mission with relevant values, motives and skills. This is why members, all of whom are effectively representatives of the United National Movement, must abide by and promote the following five main rules:

1.      Serve society; do as much as you can to bring maximum benefit to it.

2.      Provide an example by your behavior, by your love of your motherland, by your support of the people around you; strive to be a lively and positive presence in the environment around you.

3.      Be honest always, with everyone and in all matters. Stand up to lies, wrongdoing and inertia.

4.      Care for the party’s reputation. Remember that by everything you say or do, you mold the organization’s image. We need to be taken for our own word and trusted; take responsibility for building this trust.

5.      Never stop growing. Try to develop, learn and mature, that you might do more for society tomorrow than you can today.

Each member of the party must be an active proponent of these rules. We will take adherence to these rules into consideration while evaluating prospective members of the party as well as while promoting them in the structural hierarchy. Party members who treat these rules as precious will be encouraged, while those who violate them will be immediately expelled from the party ranks. We understand well that only through this discipline will our organization be capable of achieving our mission and vision. This is why we assume the obligation, first, to live and act in accordance with these principles, and second, to instill them in all levels of the party hierarchy.

Introduction

Georgia is at an important stage in its centuries-old history. Georgia regained its independence in 1991, after seven decades of occupation. Since then, it has undergone a period characterized by internal conflicts supported from outside of Georgia, and by political and economic instability. Nevertheless, the people of Georgia have made an unequivocal decision to build a democratic and free state that ensures the rule of law, human rights, security, a free market economy, and the prosperity of its citizens.

The Rose Revolution of November 2003 once again demonstrated that democracy and liberty are part of Georgian traditional values and are of vital necessity to the people of Georgia. Georgia, as an integral part of the European political, economic and cultural area, and whose fundamental national values are rooted in European values and traditions, aspires to achieve full-fledged integration into Europe’s political, economic and security systems. We, as a ruling party, aspire to return to the European tradition and to remain an integral part of Europe.

Fundamental Values of the United National Movement

United National Moment’s fundamental values are adopted from what we believe are the essential components of Georgian Statehood. These fundamental values thus go beyond party lines, because the very existence and security of Georgia depends on their inviolability. The UNM will protect these fundamental values by all available lawful means.

The fundamental values of the UNM are:

Independence

Georgia is a sovereign, independent state that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states and expects the same from them. We reject the interference of any state in the domestic affairs of Georgia.

Freedom

The rights and freedoms envisaged in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms are fundamental values of the UNM.

We are committed to guaranteeing the protection of the universally recognized human rights and freedoms of all individuals and groups residing in Georgia, to respecting their freedom to conduct their lives and affairs, and to creating favorable conditions for the realization of opportunity by every individual.

Democracy and Rule of Law                                                                    

The UNM adheres to universal democratic values and principles, based on belief in the democratic system of governance. The state should maintain a political system which guarantees a strong and independent judiciary. The UNM promotes the development of civil society and freedom of the media.

Prosperity

The UNM strives to secure sustainable economic development based on democratically established and transparent operating guidelines. Through these guidelines, we consider that the state should ensure the implementation of an effective social policy aimed at increasing the welfare of, and creating decent living conditions for, all citizens.

The UNM fosters the development of a free market economy and creation of favorable conditions for entrepreneurship, enhancement of foreign trade, and attraction of investments.

Peace

Georgia aims to establish and maintain good relations with every state based on the norms of international law. Development of friendly relations with neighboring states is of particular importance for the UNM. Hence, the state has to resolve all disputes by peaceful means, based on the norms of international law. A free, independent, united, prosperous, and peaceful Georgia will significantly contribute to strengthening regional security and stability.

Security