PACE Calls on Political Forces to Address Polarization in Georgia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, January 30, 2023
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution in which Georgia is discussed. The resolution reads that PACE remains concerned about an 'extreme' polarization in Georgia and encourages political forces to address this issue.
"The Assembly welcomes the progress made by Georgia in honouring its obligations and commitments and encourages all political forces to address the remaining recommendations and concerns expressed in this resolution.
In that respect, it remains concerned about the extreme political polarisation in the country, which affects the reforms and stakeholder participation in the reforms needed for further democratic consolidation and Euro-Atlantic integration of the country.
The Assembly calls on the government to conduct a thorough, independent evaluation of judicial system reforms to guide future reforms to ensure a truly independent judicial system in the country.
The Assembly urges the authorities to implement a thorough, independent evaluation of its reforms of the judiciary with a view to guiding future reforms to ensure a genuine, independent judiciary in the country.
It takes note of recent developments with regard to the media and concerns expressed in that regard. It encourages the authorities to take all possible steps to reduce the tensions in the media environment.
The Assembly reiterates its full support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its concern and condemnation of the illegal occupation and creeping annexation by the Russian Federation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia.
It encourages the authorities to address the 12 recommendations of the European Union so that it can be given the candidate status for European Union membership that it rightfully aspires to", the resolution reads.
