EU, US Embassy call to avoid escalation
By Natalia Kochiashvili
Friday, February 19
The European Union urged both the Georgian Government and the opposition “to act with utmost restraint and responsibility to avoid further escalation” in the wake of Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia’s resignation over United National Movement Chair Nika Melia’s pre-trial detention ruling.
The EU strongly believes that the political deadlock can only be resolved through sincere political dialogue. They called for immediate de-escalation in the interest of the country and of all Georgian citizens.
“Political courage and genuine democratic leadership are required to reach cross-party agreement and to avoid deepening polarisation. Broad political unity is needed to defuse tensions and further consolidate democracy in Georgia, including through ambitious and inclusive judicial and electoral reforms. Political stability and an inclusive parliamentary process are also pre-requisites for effectively addressing the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences,” said Peter Stano, Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in the February 18 statement.
The EU's statement underscored that the organization stands ready to continue supporting Georgia in this endeavour.
The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi also shared the statement last evening saying that "it is imperative that all those involved commit to de-escalating the current tensions so that a way forward can be agreed upon."
“Georgia is facing extremely serious challenges,” stated the U.S. Embassy, adding that “it is in the best interests of the people of Georgia that this political crisis be resolved quickly and peacefully.”
The Embassy stated they appreciate the restraint shown by the authorities and the opposition in responding to the events surrounding the case of Melia. The statement highlighted that the US remains ready to help to facilitate constructive dialogue in support of maintaining peace, stability, and the democratic process in Georgia.
“The United States stands ready to assist Georgia in finding a solution to the current crisis and to return focus to creating jobs, reducing poverty, and rebuilding the economy,” the Embassy emphasized.
The UK Embassy urged all involved to act responsibly, diffuse tension and allow Georgia’s continued progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration. “A protracted crisis is in no-one's interest. The people of Georgia deserve better,” the UK embassy concluded.
