European Parliament adopted a special resolution following debates around Georgia in Strasbourg on October 26.
The resolution – first one after October 1, 2012 parliamentary elections in Georgia – stated that the most recent elections were free and fair and in line with internationally recognized standards; the freedoms of association, assembly and expression were respected and the people of Georgia, despite a very polarized campaign, freely expressed their will.
EU parliament congratulates Georgia people “on the significant step they have taken towards the consolidation of democracy in their country; welcomes the fact of the democratic parliamentary elections of 1 October 2012, which were conducted in line with OSCE and Council of Europe commitments”.
EU parliament also welcomes the “first instance of the transfer of power by means of democratic, free and fair elections to have occurred in Georgia.” The MPs in particular welcomed the statement by the Georgian President on recognizing defeat of his party soon after the elections.
The resolution emphasizes on the EU’s commitment to and full support to Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and on the occupation of Georgian territories by the Russian Federation. “…The Georgian breakaway territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia are still de facto occupied by the Russian armed forces; despite the six-point ceasefire agreement signed in 2008 by the Russian Federation and Georgia, access for the EU Monitoring Mission to South Ossetia and Abkhazia remains hindered,” says the resolution.
EU lawmakers underlined Georgia’s aspiration towards European structures, stressing that Georgia “is one of the founding members of the Eastern Partnership”.
In conclusion, the Euro parliament calls on the Council and Commission to ensure the necessary support for the new administration and to continue the ongoing dialogue, so as “to ensure continuity and maintain momentum in the negotiations for an Association Agreement, and to consider it in line with the principle of ‘more for more’ to redouble the efforts to complete the negotiations for a visa-free regime between Georgia and the EU, in the context of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.”
Source: Georgia Online
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