NATO PA President: free elections, impartial judiciry integral part of NATO accession process
In a statement issued on January 25, President of NATO PA said that “the holding of free and fair elections and an impartial and independent judiciary, form an integral part of the accession process”. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge
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Acting President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) Attila Mesterhazy said the assembly “has recognised Georgia’s aspiration to join NATO and supports it on its path, particularly through close dialogue and active cooperation" with the Parliament of Georgia.
In a statement issued on January 25, Mesterhazy noted that “the holding of free and fair elections and an impartial and independent judiciary, form an integral part of the accession process”.
The upcoming parliamentary elections are an opportunity for Georgia to demonstrate its commitment to these values. I regret that the pledge to move to fully proportional parliamentary elections in 2020 was rescinded last November”, Mesterhazy stated.
Attila Mesterhazy was appointed as acting President of the NATO PA in December 2019, replacing Madeleine Moon. Photo: NATO PA
Calling this "a step backwards for Georgia’s democracy" he further added that the recent sentencing of opposition European Georgia leader Gigi Ugulava “raises further questions and concerns”.
I fear the circumstances surrounding the ruling further heighten political polarisation and tensions and put the important political dialogue on electoral reform at risk”, he said.
Mesterhazy encouraged Georgian authorities “to create the conditions for a resumption of dialogue between majority and opposition, for restoring the Georgian people’s trust and for guaranteeing that the 2020 parliamentary elections can be held in accordance with international standards”.
I will do my utmost to ensure the assembly continues to support Georgia in this process. I look forward to discussing the latest developments at the next meeting of the Georgia-NATO Inter-parliamentary Council”, he concluded.
Meanwhile, Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani, who is currently holding meetings in Geneva, said yesterday that Georgia has all the practical tools for the eventual NATO membership.