Slovak abroad Minister Juraj Blanár accused the European Parliament of “intervention” in Georgia elections. – We reject specified actionsHe said. Slovakia and Hungary vetoed sanctions against Georgian politicians about the election of the fresh president.
In the Georgia election, Micheil Kawelashvili was elected. He was elected not in the general vote, but by the electorate college. In October, the parliamentary election was won by the Georgian Dream party, which supported Kawelashwili.
The head of Slovakia's diplomacy opposed "quick sanctions or interference" to the results of the elections in Georgia, which were politicised by the European Parliament. He besides criticised the pro-European actions of erstwhile president Salome Zurabishvili.
Blanár noted after the Monday gathering of EU abroad Ministers that "Slovakia respects countries that choose their own way but, above all, upholds democratic principles". – And 1 of the democratic principles is free elections, so we do not want to interfere with the results of elections in Georgia – he added, pointing out concerns about the "certain shortcomings" that occurred during the parliamentary elections, the results of which were not contested.
Slovaks are waiting for the OSCE final study on the elections in Georgia. They do not want Brussels to make any political decisions until then. Meanwhile, the European Parliament, citing many irregularities, adopted a resolution calling on the Government of Georgia to hold new, fair and transparent parliamentary elections within a year under enhanced global supervision.
Rasto Kužel, manager of MEMO 98 and global observer of the fresh Georgian parliamentary elections claims to have witnessed “the intimidation of environmental voters and many accusations of double voting.”
The situation was complicated by the refusal to quit the pro-EU president Salome Zurabishvili, who believes that there is no legitimate parliament and so cannot elect a fresh President.
The Slovak minister besides condemned the brutal suppression of protests in Georgia by safety forces and the demolition of public property. So far, safety services have arrested over 400 people.
The president of the European Parliament, Robert Metsol, invited Zarabishvili to “discussion on the next steps” in Georgia. On 16 December, Metsola expressed solidarity with the Georgian people in the fight for a European future in the beginning of Parliament's plenary session and condemned the repression of the opposition and the usage of force against peaceful demonstrations.
The politician called on all 27 EU associate States to unite and agree on sanctions against those liable for force against protesters.
The EU has suspended the visa-free government for Georgian diplomatic passport holders. "We are ending backing and political contacts with the Georgian government. Assistance previously provided to the authorities will now be channelled to support civilian society and independent media in Georgia," said the European Parliament.
Source: euractiv.com, jam-news.net
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