U.S. Condemns Bolnisi Violence
The U.S. Embassy to Georgia reiterates its strong support for free and fair elections in Georgia and condemns the recent violence in Bolnisi, Kvemo Kartli region.
The news release issued by the Embassy on September 29 reads, that parties across the political spectrum agreed to support a Scorecard for Georgian Elections advanced by former Secretary of State James Baker during his July 5-6 visit to Tbilisi, which says “all political actors will refrain from violence, or incitement to violence, threats and intimidation during the election campaign, the election itself, and the election’s aftermath.”
The United States welcomes the September 26 statement by State Minister Jorbenadze condemning the violence in Bolnisi and stating that “Anyone, who violates the law, must be punished, be it representative of the opposition or pro-government party”.
The United States encourages all parties to meet their commitment under the Baker Scorecard and refrain from violence.
Dozens were injured as a result of a clash between the opposition National Movement party members and the local authorities and police in Bolnisi on September 26.
