The chairmen of the foreign relations committees of the parliaments of European countries, MPs and MEPs issue a joint statement regarding Georgia.
In the statement, the signatories express their sorrow for “Georgia’s recent democratic backsliding”.
The document talks about the October 26 elections and the concern that the parliamentary elections in Georgia were held “with an unprecedented number of incidents and systemic violations”.
The statement emphasizes the necessity of an independent international investigation.
“We are firmly in solidarity with nations that are committed to the values of democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law.We stand firmly with the Georgian people and their European choice.
It is with great sadness that we note Georgia’s recent democratic backsliding, including the enactment of anti-European legislation that limits the space for independent civil society and human rights.
We reiterate our deep concern over the fact that the October 26 parliamentary elections in Georgia were held with an unprecedented number of incidents and systemic violations, which were noted by international observers.
We note that the fairness of elections and protection of the rule of law are an integral part and basis of European values, to which Georgia, as a candidate country for the European Union, must show loyalty.
We demand that Georgian officials ensure:All allegations of electoral manipulation (including during the pre-election period) will be transparently investigated, especially voter intimidation and vote buying.
Because the allegations at hand are so serious that only an independent international investigation can study and investigate all the violations observed during these elections and the pre-election period and during the elections.
Make voting records available and publicly transparent so that every voter can confirm whether the information on the fact, time and place of their vote is correct.
Legislation, which undermines the fundamental rights and freedoms of Georgian citizens and organizations, and contradicts the values and principles on which the European Union is based, should be called for,” the statement said.
At the same time, they call on the European Union and its allies to sanction the officials, including Bidzina Ivanishvili – those “who are responsible for the violations of the election process”.
“We call on the European Union and transatlantic allies to sanction Georgian officials and political leaders, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, who are responsible for violations of the election process, including the use of state institutions and administrative resources during the election process.
“We demand the freezing of all EU funding used for aid and cooperation projects of state and public institutions of Georgia, with the exception of those involved in the establishment of civil society and rule of law structures.
We know how important visa freedom is, especially for young people. We call on the European Commission and the European Council to review the visa liberalization regime with Georgia without excluding the possibility of its complete suspension if the above-mentioned [conditions] are not met.
We will continue to stand by the Georgian people and their European choice. We will also unwaveringly continue to support Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders,” the joint statement, which has 30 signatories, says.
