Member of European Parliament, Viola Von Cramon, is paying an unofficial visit to Georgia. After meeting with several political leaders, she spoke to Formula about the MEPs (including her) recent critical statement and the political crisis in Georgia.
“The signatories of the statement are friends of Georgia, who have been watching the “sad debate” for many years, especially after the October 31 elections, Cramon told Formula. She emphasized that European Council President Charles Michel’s visit was a big investment showing that Georgia is a priority to the EU.
“We sent a high-level diplomat to Georgia, the personal envoy of Charles Michel, Mr. Danielson, to mediate between the opposing political parties to reach an agreement,” she said, adding that despite so much effort, there was no progress achieved.
She explained that the statement does not express the individual opinions of MEPs, it is what the chairwoman of European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs signs and what the MEPs say is important.
“We are talking about the future of Georgia. Georgia has been an absolute leader, an exemplary country for years, and it must return to this place. That is the task of Europe and America,” she said.
Cramon added that the EU is willing to have a strong presence in the Caucasus. However, it depends on the partners in the region.
The MEP called it absurd that even though the Georgian government desires to apply for EU membership in 2024, it is not ready to sign a compromise agreement with the opposition.
“I think the Georgian government does not understand that we want to bring Georgia even closer to the EU.”
Cramon says the sides must compromise and move forward “not for me, not for anyone’s personal career, but for the country.”
The MEP also mentioned that from the beginning, she wished there was no boycott, she would call on all colleagues to enter parliament, because as an MEP, she would work only with real parliamentarians.
“Boycott is not the solution. If I take part in the elections and then do not enter the parliament, in fact, I am betraying the voters.”
She added that The opposition only superficially assessed the OSCE report on elections.
Cramon thinks that the both parties should bear the responsibility, compromise and find the solution to the crisis, or else it is all vain
By Ana Giorgadze
