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Part 3

Non-political reasons too could be at play. After all, Ivanishvili has not always been a politician. A billionaire who according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, is the richest man in Georgia, with an estimated wealth of about $5.7 billion, always claimed to be in politics only temporarily. A lover of animals and owner of a collection of rare paintings, Ivanishvili has always been famous for his distaste for public life, which he had to have once he came to power in 2012. The 65-year-old could then indeed be planning a permanent break.

Ivanishvili’s quitting, if serious, could create a certain power vacuum in Georgian politics that no leaders can fill. The decision could put various groupings within the party against each other, which would complicate the inner workings of the party. Overall, though, there are indications of his resignation from political activity being indefinite.

By SOLOMON ALVARES

Image source: dailysabah.com/AP Photo

04 February 2021 19:45

http://georgiatoday.ge/news/23818/The-Post-Ivanishvili-Political-Landscape-in-Georgia

Part 2

One of the theories behind Kobakhidze’s appointment was Ivanishvili’s idea of having as many poles of political power as possible, so that no person could garner enough momentum to challenge his legacy and the working of the party.

GD party leaders are often personally associated with Ivanishvili. His influence on them is lasting, which means that technically he would be able to influence overall developments within the party. It is exactly because if this vertical of power that various sources familiar with the internal operation of the party claim that it is almost impossible to consider the party without Ivanishvili, whether he is in charge or has relinquished de-jure political power.

Moreover, many analysts also claim that his resignation letter was similar to the one announcing his previous resignation. Therefore, reading much into the text would not make any sense.

Considering his political passivity in the last years and the difficult pre-election period, certain political fatigue and even frustration with the overall process of keeping the opposition at bay, fighting off Western criticism, and keeping the economy afloat could be behind his move.

There is also a question of Western political pressure. Constant criticism of Georgia being run by a shadow figure often undermined expectations among Georgia’s foreign partners of the country’s democratic future. Rumors still swirl around Tbilisi that Ivanishvili was likely to be targeted by US sanctions that would seriously constrain his actions and have a bearing on internal Georgia. His decision to quit for good could therefore be a permanent decision.

The timing of his resignation is also indicative of foreign involvement in this process. The elections held in October 2020 and won by the GD are contested by the opposition spectrum. What is crucial in the negotiations held between the ruling party and opposition forces, and moderated by ambassadors in Georgia, is the West’s tacit support for the GD. Many in Georgia believe this could have been an informal arrangement whereby the West approves of the GD’s victory, but in exchange Ivanishvili should leave, removing an important obstacle for Georgia-West relations.

Others offer a different explanation for his stepping down. Amid a dire COVID-19 situation and a struggling economy, Ivanishvili’s decision was, they say, probably motivated by saving himself to avoid public outcry for the upcoming troubles.

The Post-Ivanishvili Political Landscape in Georgia
ANALYSIS

Ibelieve that my mission is accomplished, so I’ve decided to step out of politics for good and fully give up the reins of power, - said Georgian billionaire, Bidzina Ivanishvili, in a letter that was released on January 11. Irakli Kobakhidze, who served as Executive Secretary of Georgian Dream, has since replaced Ivanishvili as Party Chairman.

It is not Ivanishvili’s first time quitting politics. Several years back, he did the same, only to return to play an active part in the country’s chaotic political landscape. No wonder that there are many sceptics who question the seriousness of his decision. Critics accuse Ivanishvili of a ploy to continue governing the country from behind the scenes, as was the case following his first departure.

Ivanishvili created the Georgian Dream party prior to the 2012 parliamentary elections in which Mikheil Saakashvili’s United National Movement (UNM) was defeated. Having presided over the party, Ivanishvili has dominated Georgia’s political landscape ever since. In 2014, he founded the public movement "2030", then the non-governmental organization "Citizen", however, in 2018, he formally returned to politics to become the chairman of the Georgian Dream party. Ivanishvili’s resignation could trigger some critical changes within the ruling party, but most of all, it could alter the balance of power between the political parties.

The Impact of his Resignation

First of all, infighting among party leaders is expected. The struggle will not be open and acrimonious, but each grouping will try to have its associates be appointed to crucial government positions, win tenders for the biggest projects, etc. Eventually, the weakening of its vertical in the Georgian Dream (GD) will lead to internal crises and conflicts, which will be manifested first latently, and then openly. Among them, there will be tendencies to rearrange interests and powers according to corruption / personal interests, which can manifest itself even at the institutional level in the form of conflicts between different agencies/ministries, etc.

Another factor leading to the weakening of the GD party is the lack of ideological ties, no consolidated political interests, and no real, living practice of political unity. Moreover, no long-term development of the country’s economy and political system is being proposed. The emphasis is still being made on portraying the UNM as a destructive political force, and not on actual reforms, for instance, in the judiciary, education or economic spheres.

Part 2

The Ministerial was held in Brussels over two days. A number of the parties involved in it, due to the coronavirus pandemic, attended remotely.

The Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP) is a set of initiatives endorsed at the September 2014 Wales Summit, aimed at strengthening Georgia’s defense capabilities and developing closer security cooperation and interoperability with NATO Members.

By Ana Dumbadze
03 December 2020 10:52

http://georgiatoday.ge/news/23222/FM%3A-Updated-Substantial-NATO-Georgia-Package--Approved-at-the-Ministerial

FM: Updated Substantial NATO-Georgia Package Approved at Ministerial

NATO Foreign Ministers and Georgia approved the updated Substantial NATO-Georgia Package at the Ministerial Meeting in Brussels on December 1 and 2, which further strengthens support for Georgia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs David Zalkaliani told IMEDI TV.

"The essential NATO-Georgia package, which is updated and strengthened, was approved at the Ministerial. The old package was adopted at the Wales Summit in 2014, which included 14 programs that strengthen Georgia's defense capabilities and bring it closer to NATO. This decision is a step forward and a tangible result. Last year, when we hosted the NATO-Georgia Commission in Batumi, it was decided that the existing package needed to be updated, and this was crowned today when we acquired new specific components for this package," said David Zalkaliani.

The Minister pointed out that the essential package contains strengthened military components, which will serve to strengthen Georgia's defense capabilities.

"This package primarily envisages strengthening Georgia's defense capabilities, in particular: further strengthening the NATO-Georgia Joint Training Center and expanding its capabilities and more involvement of NATO partners in the issue of Black Sea security, which involves more "port calls" [entry of NATO ships into Georgian ports], and enhanced exercises and alignment with the standards of our naval alliance. The updated package envisages secure communication, as it is important for us to have secure communication channels with NATO, while in today's world there are cyber-attacks and various hybrid threats," he said.

He added that considering the coronavirus pandemic, the essential package includes military-medical cooperation between Georgian and NATO partners.

At a press conference after the Ministerial, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that relations with Georgia, including in the context of Black Sea security, are deepening and strengthening, both through concrete practical actions and political support.

"We have a training center in Georgia, I myself have visited this center and I have seen how Georgian and allied officers work together. We cooperate in the exchange of air and radar information and in the fight against hybrid threats. The Allies stand ready to provide additional practical support to Georgia in a number of areas. One of NATO's 2030 goals is to strengthen our partnership by working with countries like Georgia. This is the message from today's meeting," Stoltenberg said.

Ben Hodges - we must invite Georgia to NATO now - we have a precedent to accept the country even when part of it is occupied

"Georgia must be invited to join NATO now," said Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, a former commander of US ground forces in Europe , during an online discussion hosted by GeoCase.

Ben Hodges spoke about the strategic importance of the South Caucasus region and highlighted three issues that he believes the United States can do for Georgia.

"First: we must invite Georgia to NATO now, we have a precedent for this: West Germany joined NATO when Soviet troops were stationed in the eastern part of Germany. "So we have a precedent to take the country even when part of it is occupied," Ben Hodges said.

According to him, it is necessary to start military exercises that will connect NATO-Georgia, NATO-Ukraine, NATO-Bulgaria, NATO-Romania and NATO-Hungary exercises.

"This should be an important exercise on the scale of Russia's Caucasus 2020, which will demonstrate that we care about the region," Ben Hodges said.

The third important issue, in his opinion, is the investment in Georgia's military infrastructure.

"One of the main issues is investing in Georgia's military infrastructure. "You know that we have Mikhail Kogalnikeanu Air Base in Romania. I would like to see a similar one in Georgia," Ben Hodges said.

He also spoke about the Anaklia project and noted that this is a project that the Kremlin wants the least in Georgia.

"I am disappointed that the Anaklia project does not continue. This is what the Kremlin wants the least. "The Kremlin should not see large Western investments in Georgia, as it still occupies 20% of Georgia," Ben Hodges said.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/631559-ben-hojesi-sakartvelo-natoshi-axlave-unda-mivicviot-gvakvs-precedenti-mivigot-kveqana-mashinac-ki-rodesac-misi-nacili-okupirebulia

Ben Hodges - We must send an invitation to Georgia to join NATO immediately

Former US Army Commander in Europe Lieutenant General Ben Hodges believes that in the light of the events in Nagorno -Karabakh, it is necessary to send an invitation to Georgia to join NATO.

He talks about this in his letter, which was published in EUObserver.

He said the West had failed to fully and consistently compete in all areas of the Greater Black Sea region, including the South Caucasus, leading to a resumption of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

"We have given in to the Kremlin's initiative, so today we stand aside and observe the results. Let us build a new, much stronger relationship with Armenia and Azerbaijan. Strengthen our early ties with Turkey and strengthen our presence in Georgia, including with infrastructure for the Air Force and the US Navy. "We must also send an invitation to Georgia to join NATO immediately," Hodges said.

He said the steps would make the Kremlin aware that the region was of strategic importance to the West.

"The West must compete in the South Caucasus before we have the opportunity if we are to avoid conflict between the two largest states," Hodges said.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/630492-ben-hojesi-unda-gavugzavnot-sakartvelos-mocveva-rom-dauqovnebliv-shemouertdes-natos

Georgian democracy takes a step backwards!

The last paragraph of Part 1 is highly critical of these elections :-

It can be said that in the case of elections without competition, the same kind of violations and problems occurred as in the first round. This further demonstrates how problematic the 2020 parliamentary elections were and the irregularities observed in the first round were no exception and took the form of a trend. This underscores the assessment that this was a step backwards in terms of democratic elections and that we are unequivocally negative about it.

Georgian democracy takes a step backwards!

Part 2

The following violations were identified by the observers:

The party coordinators were mobilized in # 3, # 4 and # 6 polling stations of # 18 Akhmeta constituency ; In all polling stations of # 16 Kvareli and # 17 Telavi constituencies ; In # 67 Zugdidi Election District # 14 and # 26 polling stations; # 79 Batumi Election District # 01, # 02, # 03, # 06, # 08, # 15, # 35, # 58, # 48, # 74, # 73, # 30, # 37, # 39, # 52, At # 55 and # 61 polling stations; # 4 Krtsanisi Election District # 11, # 18; # 21, # 22, # 23, 29, # 30, # 31 And # 32, at polling stations; At # 43 # 58 and # 59 polling stations of # 6 Samgori election district ; # 59 in # 09 polling station of Kutaisi election district ; In # 19 and # 20 polling stations of # 51 Zestaponi election district ; # 57 in # 4 polling station of Tkibuli election district ; In # 3, # 13 and # 14 polling stations of # 52 Baghdati election district ; # 35 Khashuri constituency At # 2, # 5, # 7, # 10, # 11, # 20 and # 44 polling stations; # 20 Rustavi Election District # 3; At # 4 # 11, # 12, # 13, # 15, # 17, # 18, # 36 and # 37 polling stations; # 1 Lagodekhi Election District # 1, # 10; At # 16, # 18, # 19, # 20, # 21, # 22, # 25, # 26, # 32, # 33 and # 35 polling stations.

According to ISFED observers, the leaders of the local self-government NGOs in Kutaisi are asking the leaders to announce the elections. Also, the manager of Shuakhevi Uchanbi Kindergarten instructed the employees to come to the polling station and take part in the elections.

In # 26 polling station of # 82 Shuakhevi election district , a representative of the Georgian Dream was registering voters who had come to the polls.

Also, in # 26 and # 27 polling stations of # 82 Shuakhevi election district ; # 84 Khulo Election District # 25 polling station and # 83 Khelvachauri Election District # 37 polling station, voters were transported by mini-buses.

Tables were set up at # 73 and # 106 polling stations of # 67 Zugdidi election district , while the members of the commission were voting in a state of insomnia.

The coordinator mobilized near the # 6 polling station of # 17 Telavi election district told the police that he had already managed to bring 240 voters and was waiting for another 40, ”the statement reads.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/630321-isfed-zugdidis-olkis-73-e-da-106-e-saarchevno-ubnebtan-suprebi-iqo-gashlili-komisiis-cevrebi-ki-arapxizel-mdgomareobashi-atarebdnen-kenchisqras

ISFED - Tables were set at 73rd and 106th polling stations of Zugdidi district, while commission members were voting in a state of insomnia

It is unfortunate that even in such a non-competitive election, the ruling party did not refuse to register voters by the coordinators , the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) said in a statement. According to them, the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) observed the second round of the 2020 parliamentary elections through 35 mobile groups in 17 majoritarian constituencies.

"In the second round of elections, which was held without real competition, the coordinators of the party mobilized near the polling stations were still a problem. This practice has been the subject of criticism for years and has been hailed as a mechanism for pressuring the will of the electorate. Elimination of this practice depends on the will of political parties not to use such a means to control voters. It is unfortunate that even in such a non-competitive election, the ruling party did not refuse to register voters by the coordinators and thus ensure turnout.

In addition, ISFED has committed serious irregularities, even in the case of a small-scale observation mission, such as multiple voting by a voter (so-called carousel) and bribery of voters. It should be noted that it is quite difficult to establish such facts on election day. Aggressive attitude towards the observer was again observed outside the polling stations.

It can be said that in the case of elections without competition, the same kind of violations and problems occurred as in the first round. This further demonstrates how problematic the 2020 parliamentary elections were and the irregularities observed in the first round were no exception and took the form of a trend. This underscores the assessment that this was a step backwards in terms of democratic elections and that we are unequivocally negative about it.

Voter turnout in the second round of the parliamentary elections was 26.29%
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/630305-saparlamento-archevnebis-meore-turshi-amomrchevlis-aktivobam-2629-sheadgina

As of 15:00, voter turnout was 16.47%
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/630271-1500-saatis-monacemebit-amomrchevelta-aktivobam-1647-sheadgina

Hopefully, the EU and Uncle Sam will now start backing the united opposition for new elections. The voter turnout shows the likely indication of the percentage the GD would have obtained without the election rigging IMHO.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Visit Georgia

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will pay a two-day visit to Georgia on November 17-18, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has announced.

"Georgia welcomes US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s forthcoming visit to Georgia scheduled for 17 and 18 November. Within the framework of the visit, the Secretary of State will hold meetings with Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, President Salome Zourabichvili and Minister of Foreign Affairs David Zalkaliani. Mike Pompeo will also meet with Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II," reads the statement.

High-level meetings within the scope of the Secretary of State’s visit will focus on the priorities under the United States-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership, as well as on prospects for further enhancing cooperation in the areas of defense and security, trade and economy, democracy, people-to-people contacts, education and cultural exchanges.

The parties will discuss the security environment in Georgia and the wider region and will highlight cooperation between the countries as a way to further strengthen regional and international security. Talking points will also include the democratic and economic reforms taking place in Georgia.

"The US Secretary of State’s visit to Georgia once again points to the firmness of US - Georgia strategic partnership and reaffirms the commitment of the two countries to enhance their cooperation aimed at further reinforcing the partnership based on shared values and vision. The visit provides yet another proof that the United States remains strongly committed to supporting Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the country’s continuous democratic development and European and Euro-Atlantic integration," the Foreign Ministry stated.

By Ana Dumbadze

11 November 2020 10:13

http://georgiatoday.ge/news/22996/US-Secretary-of-State-Mike-Pompeo-to-Visit-Georgia

Politics
11.11.2020 / 11:18??
State Department: Secretary Pompeo will hold meetings in Tbilisi to express support for Georgia's territorial integrity and to urge further progress in democratic reforms
State Department: Secretary Pompeo will hold meetings in Tbilisi to express support for Georgia's territorial integrity and to urge further progress in democratic reforms

The US State Department has released official information regarding Mike Pompeo's visit to Georgia. According to a press release, Mike Pompeo will hold meetings in Tbilisi to express US support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to urge for further democratic reforms.

"The Secretary’s last stop in Europe will be Tbilisi, Georgia to meet with President Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Gakharia, and Foreign Minister Zalkaliani, to express our support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, to urge further progress in democratic reforms. He will also meet with the Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Ilia II", - reads the statement.

The statement also notes that in addition to Georgia, the US Secretary of State will visit France, Turkey, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia on November 13-23.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/en/article/110245-state-department-secretary-pompeo-will-hold-meetings-in-tbilisi-to-express-support-for-georgias-territorial-integrity-and-to-urge-further-progress-in

Politics
10.11.2020 / 22:23AA
Mike Pompeo will visit Georgia on November 17
Mike Pompeo will visit Georgia on November 17

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Georgia. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the visit is scheduled for November 17-18.

"We welcome the visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Georgia on November 17-18. During the visit, the Secretary of State will hold meetings with Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia , Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili and Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani . Mike Pompeo will also meet with Georgian Catholicos in Tbilisi. -Patriarch Ilia II.

During the Secretary's visit to Georgia, the high-level meetings will focus on the US-Georgia Strategic Partnership Charter priorities and prospects for further deepening cooperation between our countries in defense and security, as well as trade and economy, democracy, peoples and culture. In the field of exchange.

During the meetings, the parties will discuss the security environment in Georgia and the region, and cooperation between countries to strengthen regional and international security. The parties will also discuss the ongoing democratic and economic reforms in Georgia.

The US Secretary of State's visit to Georgia underscores the strength of the US-Georgia Strategic Partnership and the willingness of countries to further work together to further a common values ??and vision-based partnership. "The visit reaffirms the United States' unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for our country's further democratic development and European and Euro-Atlantic integration," the statement said.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/628693-sakartvelos-17-noembers-maik-pompeo-ecveva

UNM Leader Urges Opposition to Immediately Move the Process to Negotiating Table

Grigol Vashadze, one of the leaders of the United National Movement, has released a statement regarding the ongoing political processes and street rallies in the country, calling on all the opposition parties to immediately move the process to the negotiating table.

"Let's replace the street with a tribune of legislators of all levels," this is the main message of his address.

He said that neither the government nor the opposition, despite the well-founded arguments and protests of the opposition, has the right to tolerate the development of unruly processes.

The online edition New Post first published Vashadze's statement. The "National Movement" has confirmed that his statement is authentic, however, they refrain from talking about additional details.

"Grigol Vashadze's statement was not a position agreed with the party leaders and the political council," Khatia Dekanoidze, one of the UNM leaders, said on Facebook.

"It is unfortunate that the party chairman is making such a statement without discussion. We are not against negotiations, only with terms shared by the entire opposition spectrum," she noted.

Initially, the National Movement was among the parties that did not recognize the results of the October 31 parliamentary elections and called on the people to protest. They said that they would not enter the parliament and demanded both early parliamentary elections and a change in the composition of the Central Election Administration.

Later, Grigol Vashadze released an explanation regarding his statement.

"I will further explain:

Citizens' protests must continue;

A political component must be added to this protest immediately - through the mediation of strategic allies in the form of negotiations on the implementation of the principles of fair elections;

Until/if the negotiations are successful, we will neither participate in the second round nor enter the Parliament;

"Once and for all, we should all work hard so that in the future street protests do not replace the normal process due to election fraud," Vashadze was quoted as saying by the party's press service.

Rallies have been held since the announcement of the October 31 Parliamentary Election results in Georgia, declaring the ruling party Georgian Dream as the winner. Opposition members and supporters claim that the election was rigged and demand the re-appointment of the elections and the resignation of the CEC chairperson Tamar Zhvania.

By Ana Dumbadze

10 November 2020 15:02

http://georgiatoday.ge/news/22991/UNM-Leader-Urges-Opposition-to-Immediately-Move-the-Process-to-Negotiating-Table

MIA: All Protesters Who’re Violating Restrictions on Movement Shall be Fined

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has recently announced that all persons who violate the restrictions on movement and stay outside to protest after 22:00 shall be fined GEL 2,000.

“Pursuant to the government’s resolution, the movement of persons is prohibited from 22:00 to 05:00 in all large cities of Georgia, both on foot and by vehicle. We urge you to obey the established regulations, otherwise the offence will result in a fine of GEL 2,000 for individuals and GEL 10,000 for legal entities. Those who violate the established regulations will be identified and will be held administratively liable for their legal offences”, the MIA said.

Despite the newly imposed restriction on movement due to the coronavirus pandemic, which enters into force tonight, activists and opposition leaders have declared disobedience and intend to spend the night on Rustaveli Avenue.

09 November 2020 23:33

http://georgiatoday.ge/news/22984/MIA%3A-All-Protesters-Who%E2%80%99re-Violating-Restrictions-on-Movement-Shall-be-Fined-

Posted by Jonathansxx on the 8th November :-

"The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), a non-governmental organization, assesses the use of water cannons by police in front of the CEC building and says that there has been a disproportionate use of force by the state.

"Fair Elections expresses outrage at the use of disproportionate force by the state against protesters during a protest rally near the Central Election Commission on November 8.

We believe that there was excessive use of force by the police in an attempt to disperse the rally. A water cannon was used completely unreasonably. There were also reports of the use of tear gas, which was denied by the Interior Ministry. It is noteworthy that the action was in the initial phase when using a water cannon. As long as the action did not go beyond the form and legal scope of peaceful expression, there was no basis for the use of force. "Nevertheless, completely disproportionate methods of force were used against the protesters without any warning to the protesters." - It is said in the statement issued by the organization.

The NGO calls on law enforcement to refrain from using force against protesters and to ensure the smooth exercise of the right to assembly and demonstration.

Today, the police used water cannons to disperse the gathering at the rally near the CEC building. Earlier, protesters hurled stones at an iron dam erected in front of the CEC. It was reported that the police also used tear gas, but denied the fact of using gas at a briefing held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs."

https://translate.google.com/translate?depth=1&nv=1&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://www.palitranews.ge/&xid=17259,15700023,15700186,15700190,15700259,15700271,15700302

US Embassy & EU Delegation: Georgia Needs Parliament Able to Address Immediate Challenges

"Georgia needs a parliament able to play its role to address the immediate challenges; all political sides need urgently to take responsibility for ensuring such an outcome," reports the joint statement released by the US Embassy and the EU Delegation in Tbilisi.

The statement notes that a credible and inclusive legal process is needed to correct substantiated election violations.

"We call upon all Georgians who plan to exercise their right to assembly on 8 November to do so peacefully and with respect to COVID-19 precautions, and call on the Georgian authorities to assist in providing for such an environment.

"With regard to the ongoing electoral process, we encourage political parties to continue addressing allegations of electoral violations by using the legal means within the democratic processes that Georgia has built over the past 20 years.

"A credible and inclusive legal process for remedying substantiated electoral violations is necessary to ensure that the will of the voters is respected, that public confidence in the electoral process is assured, and to ensure the public can accept the election results as legitimate. We stand ready to contribute as required to achieving these objectives. A credible and inclusive legal process for remedying substantiated electoral violations is necessary to ensure that the will of the voters is respected, that public confidence in the electoral process is restored, and to ensure the public can accept the election results as legitimate. We stand ready to contribute as required to achieving these objectives.

"Georgia needs a parliament able to play its role to address the immediate challenges of economic turmoil, a pandemic and regional tensions, as well as to enact additional reforms to improve the country's democratic, legal and electoral processes for the future. All political sides need urgently to take responsibility for ensuring such an outcome," reads the statement.

07 November 2020 21:05

http://georgiatoday.ge/news/22967/US-Embassy-%26-EU-Delegation%3A-Georgia-Needs-Parliament-Able-to-Address-Immediate-Challenges

It's even on the BBC

Georgia protests: Tbilisi police fire water cannon at demonstrators

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54868053