We did not have the opportunity to meet with the authorities, because they refused to meet us – first a meeting at the highest level was requested, then at the second level, at the third level, and no one had time for us, – Ulrich Lechte, a member of the German Bundestag, a representative of the Free Democratic Party, said at a briefing held at the German Embassy.
He expressed hope that after the October 26 elections, there will be a fully functional democracy in Georgia.
“We had three days of negotiations here in Georgia. It was busy with meetings with non-governmental organizations, opposition parties, people who represent Georgian society. We did not have the opportunity to meet the authorities because they refused to receive us. This was something new for us, that we did not have the opportunity to talk to any representative of the Georgian government, we are a delegation of high officials. You know that we are parliamentarians, and in Germany parliamentarians have a strong influence. Therefore, it was something new for us that it was not possible – first a meeting at the highest level was requested, then at the second level, at the third level, and no one had time for us.
We all understand what is at stake now – it is a struggle between democracy and autocracy, and I am really deeply saddened by statements such as: “We are going to destroy the opposition after the election, when we get the largest majority.” All this is not good for stable democracy, freedom and for what the Georgian people have been striving for in the last period.
We will all be watching the October 26 elections and I hope that after these elections, we will see a fully functional democracy in Georgia. This is my hope and wish for all of you”, said the deputy.
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