Diplomats Call on Parties to ‘Ensure Parliament Meet Freely’
The Ambassadors of the Working Group on Elections, led by the UN and the OSCE, called on all political parties to ensure the newly elected Parliament can convene freely on June 10.
“The Parliament’s responsibility to meet, and fulfill its role in a democratic Georgia, should not be overshadowed by violence, threats, or confrontation. Therefore, we call on all parties to ensure Parliament can meet freely, in accordance with the law, and without any violence or physical confrontation. All political actors must seek the resolution of the existing confrontation through political dialogue and only by legal means,” the statement issued by the group on June 6 said.
The statement comes after the eight-party opposition coalition and Labor Party called for a protest rally outside the parliament on the day when the newly elected parliament convenes its first session.
The Ambassadorial Group has also condemned recent attacks on opposition activists.
“We are aware of recent physical attacks during which some members of the opposition were injured,” the statement reads. “We condemn all acts of violence or threats against individuals involved in the electoral process. The Ambassadors are confident that the Georgian government will undertake all necessary steps to prevent and respond to any and all violence or intimidation against election participants. The Prosecutor General’s office informed that it has begun several investigations into these attacks already. We urge for an expeditious investigation of these attacks and that the results of this investigation are made public. All perpetrators must be held responsible in full accordance with the law.”
The Group is comprised of Ambassadors of OSCE participating States, the Special Representative of the Secretary General of Council of Europe, the head of the Delegation of the European Commission and the UN Resident Coordinator. It is co-chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator and the OSCE Head of Mission.
This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
