MEPs: Georgian gov’t should immediately start dialogue with opposition
MEPs say that they are ready to play a constructive role in a dialogue between the opposition and the ruling party. Photo: EP.
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MEPs Andrius Kubilius, Rasa Jukneviciene and Lithuanian MP Zygimantas Pavilionis have responded to the Georgian opposition’s election-related rallies in Tbilisi and said in a joint statement that the Georgian government should start a dialogue with the opposition.
The statement reads that the post-election period in Georgia ‘is a matter of concern for us.’
While the elections were competitive and voters had real alternatives to choose from, the conduct of elections was impacted by pervasive allegations of pressure on voters, with all observer organisations noting a blurred line between the state and the ruling party throughout the campaign and on election day, which, as a result, has reduced public confidence,” said the statement.
#Georgia Government & ruling party should immediately start dialogue w opposition & inclusive legal process for remedying substantiated electoral violations. #OSCE and #CoE - to assess complains & evidences of electoral irregularities. Full statement???? https://t.co/SCkjBcOxYf
— Andrius Kubilius (@KubiliusA) November 11, 2020
The statement says that the Georgian government ‘has the responsibility to address these outstanding problems’ and reach out for immediate dialogue with opposition and find a speedy solution ‘for this difficult moment for the Georgian democracy.’
We stand ready to assist and play a constructive role in this dialogue. We urge Georgian authorities to restrict usage of police force against peaceful demonstrators and not to provoke violence on the streets,” the statement said.
The opposition, which took to the street following the October 31 parliamentary elections, says that the elections were fabricated.
The ruling party states that the elections were conducted in line with democratic standards and advises the opposition to sit down at the negotiation table.
The first meeting following the elections between the members of the ruling party and the opposition was held at the headquarters of the US Embassy in Tbilisi earlier today.