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Including the PM, that's three resignations from the government since the arrest of the leader of the opposition.

Deputy Head of Gov’t Administration Resigns
by GEORGIA TODAY February 27, 2021 in Highlights Reading Time: 1min read
Deputy Head of Gov’t Administration Resigns
Berdia Sichinava
Following the resignation of the Head of Government Administration, Kakha Kemoklidze, Deputy Head of Government Administration, Berdia Sichinava, has also left newly appointed Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili’s cabinet.

Sichinava wrote about it on the social network and thanked the former Prime Minister, Giorgi Gakharia.

“Friends, I’ve decided to resign from the position of Deputy Head of Government Administration.

“It was a great honor for me to work in this position, especially in these challenging times.

“Special thanks to the Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, a person of great dignity, a manager with special skills and high principles and a true leader who gave me the opportunity to work with him,” he wrote.

For the record, the head of the Government Administration, Kakha Kemoklidze, resigned on February 25. He also expressed his gratitude to the former Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Gakharia, and wished the current PM Irakli Garibashvili success in his work.

By Ana Dumbadze

https://georgiatoday.ge/deputy-head-of-govt-administration-resigns/

Head of Gov’t Administration Resigns
by GEORGIA TODAY February 25, 2021 in Politics Reading Time: 1min read
Head of Gov’t Administration Resigns
The head of the Government Administration, Kakha Kemoklidze, resigned today, noting his move via a Facebook post. Kemoklidze expressed his gratitude to the former Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Gakharia, and wished the current PM Irakli Garibashvili success in his work.

“I want to be honest – throughout the past 10 years, I had probably the rarest honor to work with special people and leaders, under both the previous and current governments. I believe that those 10 years have also been valuable because a generation of young professionals and sincere patriots have grown in front of me, and in the future will become solid pillars for the country!

“I would like to offer the former Prime Minister Gakharia special thanks as well. I would not hide that at the beginning I even looked at him with suspicion (due to my professional habits and instincts ?? Thanks to him for being a selfless (often physically inexplicable) hard worker, a remarkably quick thinker, a bearer of the right state values, and an exemplary manager for many. He was a leader imbued with a belief in a meritocracy; the enemy of nepotism, cronyism, unnecessary bureaucracy, and a modern manager who stands up for accountability and can take responsibility. I am very grateful to him for enabling me to be a safeguard of state interests and to serve my country,” said Kemoklidze.

He wished success to Irakli Garibashvili and noted that the strength of the country lies only in unity.



By Ketevan Skhirtladze

https://georgiatoday.ge/head-of-govt-administration-resigns/

24.02.2021 / 19:47AA
Transparency International Berlin Office - Calls on Georgian Authorities to Engage in Political Dialogue to Protect Country's Democratic Future
Transparency International Berlin Office - Calls on Georgian Authorities to Engage in Political Dialogue to Protect Country's Democratic Future

Transparency International Berlin has issued a statement on the current events in Georgia .

The arrest of the opposition leader aggravates the political crisis, the statement said.

The statement called on the government to engage in political dialogue to protect the country's democratic future.

Transparency International is deeply concerned about the current developments in Georgia. The decision to invade the office of the United National Movement and arrest the party leader, Nika Melia , will only aggravate the current political crisis in the country.

Recent events in Georgia, which have long been considered a positive example among post-Soviet states, are another manifestation of the extremely high degree of concentration of power and the disturbing trend towards state seizures. The erosion of the rule of law and the independence of institutions, as well as the ongoing attacks on active civil society groups, are leading to a significant setback in terms of democracy.

Of particular concern is the lack of an independent judiciary and the influence of the ruling party over law enforcement agencies as a weapon against political opponents.

It is unfortunate that in a country that was once known for its fruitful anti-corruption reforms, impunity is increasingly settling into the norm in cases of high levels of corruption. "We call on the Georgian authorities to engage in political dialogue to protect the country's democratic future and to create an environment in which real anti-corruption reforms can be implemented," the statement said.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643850-saertashoriso-gamchvirvalobas-berlinis-opisi-movucodebt-sakartvelos-xelisuplebas-chaebas-politikur-dialogshi-kveqnis-demokratiuli-momavlis-dacvis-miznit

24.02.2021 / 18:15AA
Sergo Chikhladze - they got the vaccine in Ghana, before that it was Rwanda - yes sir, we do not beg Israel and Britain, but do not compare Ghana anymore ?! Do not even compare Bangladesh and Afghanistan in a state of war ?!
Sergo Chikhladze - they got the vaccine in Ghana, before that it was Rwanda - yes sir, we do not beg Israel and Britain, but do not compare Ghana anymore ?! Do not even compare Bangladesh and Afghanistan in a state of war ?!

According to Sergo Chikhladze, one of the leaders of Strategy Builder, the reason for the delay in the introduction of the Pfizer vaccine is the fact that the Georgian government "could not complete the application properly."

As Chikhladze stated in the program "Day Newsroom" on "Palitranius", the government could not upload the necessary documents to get the vaccine on "Kovacs" platform.

"I have contacts with colleagues who are on the front line. I really did not have the feeling that it would be so late. I could not imagine that they could not fill out the application on Kovacs and they would have errors. Documents could not be uploaded. Can you imagine how we deal with unprofessional people, Betsy? "This is criminal indifference," Chikhladze said.

At the same time, he said, the reason for the delay in the introduction of the vaccine is that the government has not negotiated enough to get the vaccine with friendly countries and vaccine manufacturers.

"600 thousand doses have already been received in Ghana and they are starting to be vaccinated. Before that it was Rwanda taking 2 million doses. This justification is not to beg Israel and Britain ... Yes sir, we are not begging, but not to compare Ghana ?! Do not even compare to Bangladesh ?! Don't we even compare it to war-torn Afghanistan ?! "This is the reason why the government has not negotiated with the governments and producers of friendly countries," he said.

Sergo Chikhladze also spoke about the lifting of restrictions, as he states that the maintenance of the "curfew" is for political purposes.

"Of course, it is good that the restrictions are lifted, but not because the government is newly prepared, the government realizes this accumulated charge, aggression in society, negativity towards the government. It was the result of pressure that the government feels from the public.

The only thing the government is leaving is the "curfew" from 21:00, which is completely unjustified. This is for political purposes. Yes, the government has a fear of rallies and riots. "This is a lever that can tighten time," Chikhladze said.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643842-sergo-chixlaze-ganashi-vakcina-miiges-manamde-iqo-ruanda-ki-batono-ar-vedrebit-israels-da-britanets-magram-ganasac-agar-shevedarot-bangladeshs-da-saomar-vitarebashi-mqop-avganetsac-ar-shevedarot

24.02.2021 / 17:48AA
Sergo Chikhladze - Yesterday's meeting was the first case when the facilitators did not mention: "Enter the Parliament" - it says a lot
Sergo Chikhladze - Yesterday's meeting was the first case when the facilitators did not mention: "Enter the Parliament" - it says a lot

According to Sergo Chikhladze, one of the leaders of "Strategy Builder", yesterday's meeting of diplomats with the opposition was the first case when the facilitators "no longer mentioned the phrase: enter the parliament."

As Chikhladze stated in Palitranius' program "Day Newsroom", this position of the Western partners "speaks volumes".

"Our Western partners are telling us that political persecution must stop, negotiations must continue. We, the whole opposition, say the same thing.

This was the first meeting where it was no longer mentioned that "enter the parliament and discuss there." There was already talk of other topics here. There was no longer such a call unequivocally. This, I think, speaks volumes, as does the statements of embassies, the Senate, Western partners. There can be no two-way interpretation.

Yesterday we saw that Kissinger called the actions of the "Georgian Dream" stupid. Today, the representatives of the Georgian Dream say that very soft and weak assessments were made by the partners. I do not know whether our partners will curse the Kakhetian mother? "There is no rigid assessment of this in nature," Chikhladze said.

According to him, the main question at yesterday's meeting with the facilitators was "whether there is room for negotiations."

"Yesterday, the ambassadors' main concern and our interest was how to get out of this situation. We heard that the "Georgian Dream" did wrong, did not heed the calls of the Senate and the calls of the European Union. The ambassadors did not expect such a development either, the main question is, how do we get out of here? The purpose of yesterday's meeting was to see if there was any room left for negotiations. "We all said unanimously that we are ready to continue the talks," Chikhladze said, but added that an agreement must be reached on the release of political prisoners, including Nika Melia , in order to continue the talks .
Recall, yesterday, a meeting with leaders of opposition parties was held at the residence of EU Ambassador Carl Hartzel. The meeting lasted for about 2 hours, which was attended by the US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan, in addition to the EU Ambassador Carl Hartzel.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643840-sergo-chixlaze-gushindeli-shexvedra-iqo-pirveli-shemtxveva-roca-pasilitatorebis-mxridan-agar-qopila-naxsenebi-shedit-parlamentshi-es-bevris-metqvelia

24.02.2021 / 16:52AA
Co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe - Georgia's democratic development needs restraint, dialogue and compromise, not escalation and confrontation
Co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe - Georgia's democratic development needs restraint, dialogue and compromise, not escalation and confrontation

Co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on Georgia Titus Corlatean (Romania) and Claude Kern (France) express concern over the developments in Georgia and call on political forces to return to the negotiating table.

"While no one should be above the law, the police raid on the UNM headquarters and the arrest of opposition leader Nika Melia have exacerbated tensions between the opposition and the ruling majority and deepened the political crisis in the country. "Georgia's democratic development needs restraint, dialogue and compromise, not escalation and confrontation," the co-rapporteurs said in a statement.

They called on all political forces in Georgia to refrain from any action that would further aggravate the situation and return to the negotiating table to find a political and mutually acceptable solution to the current crisis.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643829-evropis-sabchos-saparlamento-asambleis-tanamomxseneblebi-sakartvelos-demokratiul-ganvitarebas-schirdeba-tavshekaveba-dialogi-da-kompromisi-da-ara-eskalacia-da-dapirispireba

24.02.2021 / 16:25AA
Sven Mixer and Marina Kaliurand - In response to provocations, breaking into the head office of the largest opposition party and arresting their leader is not the way to overcome the crisis
Sven Mixer and Marina Kaliurand - In response to provocations, breaking into the head office of the largest opposition party and arresting their leader is not the way to overcome the crisis

Marina Kaliurand , Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for the South Caucasus, and Sven Mixer, European Parliament Rapporteur on Georgia, issue a joint statement on the developments in Georgia.

"We call on the ruling party, the Georgian government and all opposition groups to take immediate steps to de-escalate political tensions in order to resolve the political crisis that has worsened since the arrest of the United National Movement leader," the statement said.

Sven Mixer and Marina Kaliurand call on the parties to refrain from polarizing rhetoric and return to dialogue.

"While we do not agree with the unconstructive and provocative tactics of the opposition, the incursion into the head office of the largest opposition party in response to the provocations and the arrest of their leader is in no way beneficial and is not a way to overcome the crisis.

"The only way for Georgia to get out of this political stalemate so that the country's Euro-Atlantic aspirations are not jeopardized is for all parties to back down, refrain from rhetoric and actions that deepen polarization, and re-engage in dialogue." In the statement.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643821-sven-mikseri-da-marina-kaliurandi-provokaciebze-sapasuxod-udidesi-opoziciuri-partiis-satavo-o****hi-shechra-da-mati-lideris-dakaveba-krizisis-dazlevis-gza-ar-aris

24.02.2021 / 10:34AA
Joe Biden Security Adviser - Concerned Over Arrest of Nika Melia, Urges Parties to Return to Talks
Joe Biden Security Adviser - Concerned Over Arrest of Nika Melia, Urges Parties to Return to Talks

Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser to US President Joe Biden, responds to developments in Georgia and calls on the parties to return to dialogue.

"We are concerned about the arrest of Nika Melia in Georgia. "We call on all parties to refrain from escalation and return to talks in support of Georgian democracy," Jake Sullivan wrote on Twitter.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643718-jo-baidenis-mrcheveli-usaprtxoebis-sakitxebshi-sheshpotebulebi-vart-nika-melias-dapatimrebit-mxareebs-movucodebt-molaparakebebs-daubrundnen

24.02.2021 / 09:35AA
The arrest of Brian Whitmore Melia - what we see is clearly a political operation - is happening in Putin's Lukashenko's Belarus.
The arrest of Brian Whitmore Melia - what we see is clearly a political operation - is happening in Putin's Lukashenko's Belarus.

What we see here, in my opinion, is clearly a political operation and everything else after that, is details. Because when it (begins), it's the beginning of the death knell for democracy, and it's very exciting, ”Atlantic Council researcher and University of Texas professor Brian Whitmore told VOA's Georgian Service, responding to the arrest of opposition leader Nika Melia .

As he points out, such events should not happen in a country that is a NATO partner and has an association agreement with the European Union.

"Such events are taking place in Putin's Russia, in Lukashenko's Belarus. This is not what should happen in a country that is a NATO partner and has an association agreement with the EU. "It should not happen in democracies, and when I see the courts being used for political action, it worries me," Brian Whitmore said.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643708-braian-uitmori-melias-dakavebaze-rasac-vxedavt-ashkarad-aris-politikuri-operacia-amgvari-movlenebi-xdeba-putinis-rusetshi-lukashenkos-belarusshi

24.02.2021 / 09:03AA
Jonathan Man - No PM on fire will be able to achieve the goal of returning Georgia to the right political process
Jonathan Man - No PM on fire will be able to achieve the goal of returning Georgia to the right political process

According to Jonathan Kats, a researcher at the German Marshall Fund, the coming days will be crucial in determining how the democratic development process in Georgia will unfold. The researcher said this in a conversation with the Georgian edition of "Voice of America", thus responding to the arrest of the opposition leader, Nika Melia .

As he points out, the ruling party should be very careful in selecting individuals for leading positions in government, as this has to do with how it is perceived inside and outside the country.

"The most important thing now is what will happen in the next few days. "What steps is the Georgian government taking to raise the temperature and return to the situation where there is discussion and a search for a way forward," said the man.

Also, according to Jonathan Katsi, what is happening in Georgia is a step backwards in terms of how Georgia is seen.

"When such incidents occur in Georgia, we must see the Georgian side make efforts to restore the belief that Georgia is on the right track, that it wants to fulfill its obligations. What is happening is a step backwards in terms of how Georgia is seen. "And this only reinforces the arguments of the harmful actors who say that the alternative way [for the future] for Georgia looks exactly like what you see now in Russia or in other countries where there has been no progress," said Jonathan Kats.

At the same time, he said, no prime minister who ignites the fire will be able to achieve the goal of returning Georgia to the right political process.

"The former prime minister noted that his biggest concern was the destabilization of the country, polarization. I think that meant something that could lead to more significant violence. "No prime minister who ignites the fire will be able to achieve the goal of returning Georgia to the right political process and focusing on solving these problems," said Jonathan Kats.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643707-jonatan-kaci-verc-erti-premier-ministri-romelic-cecxls-agvivebs-ver-shezlebs-miagcios-sakartvelos-scor-politikur-processhi-dabrunebis-mizans

24.02.2021 / 08:29AA
Jim Risch, Gene Shaheen, Adam Kinzinger and Jerry Connolly - All political parties in Georgia must stop provocations and negotiate a peaceful solution to the crisis
Jim Risch, Gene Shaheen, Adam Kinzinger and Jerry Connolly - All political parties in Georgia must stop provocations and negotiate a peaceful solution to the crisis

The decision of the Georgian government to violently break up the UNM headquarters and arrest its leader, Nika Melia, and dozens of activists is a matter of great concern, US Congressmen Jim Risch, Gene Shaheen, Adam Kinzinger and Jerry Connolly said in a joint statement.

Congressmen are calling on the authorities to release political prisoners immediately.

"The corrupt use of Georgian law enforcement and the judiciary to carry out politically motivated actions poses a threat to what Georgia has left behind in terms of democracy and the Euro-Atlantic path." We call for the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Mr Melia and Mr George Rurua. "All political parties in Georgia must stop provocations and negotiate a peaceful solution to this crisis," the statement said.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643706-jim-rishi-jin-shahini-adam-kinzingeri-da-jeri-konoli-sakartveloshi-qvela-politikurma-partiam-provokaciebi-unda-shecqvitos-da-krizisis-mshvidobian-gadacqvetaze-moilaparakos

24.02.2021 / 01:06AA
State Department - US deeply concerned over arrest of opposition leader Nika Melia
State Department - US deeply concerned over arrest of opposition leader Nika Melia

US State Department spokeswoman Ned Price responded to the arrest of Nika Melia , chairman of the United National Movement , at a briefing.

According to a US State Department spokeswoman, the US is deeply concerned about the arrest of Nika Melia .

"We will start with Georgia today. The United States is deeply concerned about the arrest of opposition leader Nika Melia and other opposition figures in Georgia," Price said.

He was later asked a clarifying question on the matter, to which the speaker said:

"We are deeply concerned about the political developments in Georgia. We reiterate our call on all parties to exercise restraint to refrain from any action that may cause or exacerbate tensions. We call on the Georgian authorities to act in accordance with their Euro-Atlantic aspirations, to strengthen their commitment to democracy, individual freedom and the rule of law, and to ensure the freedom of the judiciary and the prosecution system from political bias. The United States supports a democratic, secure, and prosperous Georgia. "We will continue to work with Georgia to uphold the rule of law and the accountability of our institutions," said a State Department spokeswoman.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643696-saxelmcipo-departamenti-ashsh-grmad-sheshpotebulia-opozicioneri-lideris-nika-melias-dakavebis-gamo

Part 2
We hope to convey this message to our partners and reassure them of the EU's unwavering support for the secure and prosperous future of the Georgian people. "To the best of our ability, we are ready to further strengthen the mediation efforts made so far by the EU Delegation and other diplomatic missions in Georgia," the joint letter reads.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643695-evroparlamentarebi-sharl-mishels-kartul-ocnebasa-da-opoziciur-partiebs-shoris-dazabulobam-zalze-sashish-dones-miagcia-mogicodebt-gamoiqenot-tkveni-viziti-rata-caaxalisot-kartuli-politikur-zalebi-dauqovnebliv-ganaaxlon-dialogi

24.02.2021 / 00:29AA
MEPs Charles Michel - Tensions between Georgian Dream and opposition parties have reached alarming levels - I urge you to use your visit to encourage Georgian political forces to resume dialogue immediately
MEPs Charles Michel - Tensions between Georgian Dream and opposition parties have reached alarming levels - I urge you to use your visit to encourage Georgian political forces to resume dialogue immediately

MEPs send a joint letter to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, urging him to use this visit ahead of his planned visit to Georgia to support the immediate resumption of inter-party dialogue by Georgian political forces.

The letter was signed by: Lithuanian MP, MEP Petra Austrevicius, Lithuanian MEP Andrius Kubilius, Czech MEP Marketa Gregoreva, MEP Witold Waszykowski from Poland, German MEP V ??rpont

"As your extremely timely visit to Georgia approaches, we, the undersigned MEPs, express our concern in writing about the rapidly deteriorating political situation in the EU's major associated Eastern Partner country.

As stated in the European Parliament resolution of 16 September 2020 on the implementation of Georgia's Association Agreement with the European Parliament, the October 2020 parliamentary elections were expected to reaffirm Georgia's democratic commitment. Instead, one-third of elected members refuse to enter parliament on the grounds that the election was rigged. The local NGO Fair Elections (ISFED), among other shortcomings, found inconsistencies in 8 per cent of polling station protocols. Tensions between the ruling Georgian Dream and opposition parties reached alarming levels on February 23 following the arrest of Nika Melia , the leader of the United National Movement (UNM), for using tear gas .

The EU can not ignore the situation when the use of force, revanchism and the policy of confrontation have become the dominant trends. Political polarization and tensions threaten the stability of society and the state. Moreover, the political crisis threatens to derail the reforms envisaged by Georgia's Association Agreement with the European Union.

We urge you to use your visit to encourage the Georgian political forces to immediately resume inter-party dialogue, which should lead to the creation of a concrete Memorandum of Understanding aimed at promoting a co-operative and inclusive political environment in Georgia. We believe that in this process, the Georgian civil sector can have a significant positive impact. Thus, we encourage you to actively engage with them during your visit.

24.02.2021 / 00:29AA
MEPs Charles Michel - Tensions between Georgian Dream and opposition parties have reached alarming levels - I urge you to use your visit to encourage Georgian political forces to resume dialogue immediately
MEPs Charles Michel - Tensions between Georgian Dream and opposition parties have reached alarming levels - I urge you to use your visit to encourage Georgian political forces to resume dialogue immediately

MEPs send a joint letter to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, urging him to use this visit ahead of his planned visit to Georgia to support the immediate resumption of inter-party dialogue by Georgian political forces.

The letter was signed by: Lithuanian MP, MEP Petra Austrevicius, Lithuanian MEP Andrius Kubilius, Czech MEP Marketa Gregoreva, MEP Witold Waszykowski from Poland, German MEP V ??rpont

"As your extremely timely visit to Georgia approaches, we, the undersigned MEPs, express our concern in writing about the rapidly deteriorating political situation in the EU's major associated Eastern Partner country.

As stated in the European Parliament resolution of 16 September 2020 on the implementation of Georgia's Association Agreement with the European Parliament, the October 2020 parliamentary elections were expected to reaffirm Georgia's democratic commitment. Instead, one-third of elected members refuse to enter parliament on the grounds that the election was rigged. The local NGO Fair Elections (ISFED), among other shortcomings, found inconsistencies in 8 per cent of polling station protocols. Tensions between the ruling Georgian Dream and opposition parties reached alarming levels on February 23 following the arrest of Nika Melia , the leader of the United National Movement (UNM), for using tear gas .

The EU can not ignore the situation when the use of force, revanchism and the policy of confrontation have become the dominant trends. Political polarization and tensions threaten the stability of society and the state. Moreover, the political crisis threatens to derail the reforms envisaged by Georgia's Association Agreement with the European Union.

We urge you to use your visit to encourage the Georgian political forces to immediately resume inter-party dialogue, which should lead to the creation of a concrete Memorandum of Understanding aimed at promoting a co-operative and inclusive political environment in Georgia. We believe that in this process, the Georgian civil sector can have a significant positive impact. Thus, we encourage you to actively engage with them during your visit.

We hope to convey this message to our partners and reassure them of the EU's unwavering support for the secure and prosperous future of the Georgian people. "To the best of our ability, we are ready to further strengthen the mediation efforts made so far by the EU Delegation and other diplomatic missions in Georgia," the joint letter reads.

Part 2
“We urge you to use your visit to encourage the Georgian political forces to seek an immediate renewal of the cross-party dialogue, which must lead to a concrete memorandum of understanding focused on nurturing a cooperative and inclusive political environment in Georgia. The speed and will with which the Georgian political elite re-engages into the cross-party dialogue will reflect their determination to validate the declared European aspirations for Georgia. We believe, in this process, the Georgian civil sector can have a significant positive influence; hence, we encourage you to actively engage them during your visit.

“We rely upon you to pass this message to our partners and to reassure them about the European Union’s unwavering support for a secure and prosperous future of the Georgian people. In our capacity, we stand ready to further underpin the mediation efforts so far relentlessly done by the EU Delegation in Georgia and other diplomatic representatives,” reads the letter addressed to Charles Michel.

European Council President Charles Michel plans to visit Georgia and Ukraine in March.

By Ana Dumbadze

https://georgiatoday.ge/meps-call-for-renewal-of-cross-party-dialogue-in-georgia/

MEPs Call For Renewal of Cross-Party Dialogue in Georgia
by GEORGIA TODAY February 24, 2021 in Highlights, Politics Reading Time: 2min read

MEPs Call For Renewal of Cross-Party Dialogue in Georgia
“The EU cannot overlook the current situation when the use of force, revanchism, and brinkmanship have become dominant trends.” – MEPs

In a joint letter, the Members of the Europan Parliament (MEPs) urge the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, to use his upcoming visit to Georgia to support the immediate renewal of the cross-party dialogue.

The joint letter was signed by MEPs Petras Auštrevicius (Renew Europe, Lithuania), Andrius Kubilius (EPP, Lithuania), Markéta Gregorová (Greens/EFA, Czechia), Witold Jan Waszczykowski (ECR, Poland), Viola von Cramon-Taubadel (Greens/EFA, Germany), and Michael Gahler (EPP, Germany).

“As your extremely timely visit to Georgia approaches, we, the undersigned Members of the European Parliament, are writing to express our concerns about the rapidly deteriorating political situation in this important associated Eastern Partner of the European Union.

“As noted in the European Parliament’s resolution of 16 September 2020 on the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Georgia, the October 2020 Parliamentary elections were expected to re-confirm Georgia’s democratic commitment. Instead, one-third of elected members are refusing to join the Parliament, citing election fraud. Local NGO, the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), has demonstrated mismatches in 8% of the polling station protocols, among other election shortcomings. After the arrest of the United National Movement (UNM) leader Nika Melia by using teargas in a confined space on 23 February, tensions among the ruling Georgian Dream and opposition parties reached extremely dangerous levels.

European Parliament/GETTY Images
“The EU cannot overlook the current situation when the use of force, revanchism, and brinkmanship have become dominant trends. Political polarization and tensions endanger the stability within the society and the State. Moreover, the political crisis risks diverging Georgia from the path of reforms under the Association Agreement with the EU.

Helsinki Commission Leaders Slam Detention of Georgian Oppositioner
by GEORGIA TODAY February 24, 2021 in Politics Reading Time: 1min read

Helsinki Commission Leaders Slam Detention of Georgian Oppositioner
Arrest of Nika Melia
Following the February 23 detention of Georgian opposition leader Nika Melia by authorities, Helsinki Commission leaders Rep. Alcee Hastings (FL-20), Sen. Roger Wicker (MS), Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02), and Sen. Ben Cardin (MD) issued the following joint statement:

“As a participating State of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Georgia has committed to respecting democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law.

Helsinki Commission
“Storming the headquarters of an opposing political party and arbitrarily detaining its leader is not in keeping with democratic progress. We urge the Government of Georgia to release Nika Melia, deescalate the crisis, and recommit to dialogue rather than aggression.”

Main image: Mtavari Arkhi

https://georgiatoday.ge/helsinki-commission-leaders-slam-detention-of-georgian-oppositioner/

23.02.2021 / 21:38AA
Andrew Kubilius - Developments in Georgia throw democracy into crisis, which only pleases Kremlin - it's time to stop the country's regression
Andrew Kubilius - Developments in Georgia throw democracy into crisis, which only pleases Kremlin - it's time to stop the country's regression

MEP Andrius Kubilius responds to the current political events in Georgia on Twitter.

As he writes, the developments are throwing democracy into crisis, which only makes the Kremlin happy.

"Developments in Georgia are throwing democracy into crisis, which only makes the Kremlin happy. Neither Georgian side will be victorious in this conflict. Lack of strategic responsibility on both sides calls into question Georgia's Euro-Atlantic future. "It's time to stop Georgia's retreat," said Andrew Kubilius.

For information, law enforcers have arrested Nika Melia , the chairman of the National Movement . The Ministry of Internal Affairs launched a special operation to hire Melia at the party's central office in the morning. During the operation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs used special equipment and special forces. Missed the so-called Pepper spray, thus dispersing the persons in the party office.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643681-andrius-kubiliusi-sakartveloshi-ganvitarebuli-movlenebi-demokratias-krizisshi-agdebs-rac-mxolod-kremls-axarebs-droa-kveqnis-ukusvla-shecherdes