EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell has responded to the physical confrontation that occurred on September 23 between the leaders of the Georgian Dream and the National Movement, Irakli Kobakhidze and Nika Melia in front of the EU Delegation Office on Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue.
“Yesterday, I hosted, together with the EU Member states, a series of separate meetings with leaders of political parties, to discuss the ongoing electoral process, as we usually do in the run-up to elections.
“I regret that an aggressive exchange took place in front of the EU Delegation premises between two party leaders. I welcome however that one of them later apologized and called for calm.
“I was also concerned about the security situation that arose outside the EU Delegation shortly after this confrontation, which I am raising with the relevant state interlocutors.
“Let me reiterate the message I conveyed earlier this week, condemning the latest cases of violence in this electoral context, calling for swift and thorough investigations into all such cases and urging all sides to exercise restraint.
“Next week on election day, all Georgian voters should enjoy a peaceful environment, allowing them to exercise their democratic right by casting their ballots freely, safely and without fear of violence or intimidation.
“The Government of Georgia and the political parties have important responsibilities to safeguard this right,” Carl Hartzell stated.
By Ana Dumbadze
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