MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

21.11.2007

to wind up the debate on statements by the Council and Commission
pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by Lydie Polfer and Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck
on behalf of the ALDE Group
on the situation in Georgia

B6‑0482/2007

European Parliament resolution on the situation in Georgia

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part, which entered into force in 1999,

–  having regard to its previous resolutions on relations with the countries of the region, notably its resolution of 26 February 2004 with a recommendation to the Council on EU policy towards the South Caucasus[1] and its resolution of 13 October 2004 on the situation in Georgia,[2]

–  having regard to its reports on the European Neighbourhood Policy, notably the report adopted on 15 November 2007,[3]

–  having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas the European Union remains committed to further developing and deepening its relations with Georgia and to supporting the country with the necessary political and economic reforms, measures to establish solid and efficient democratic institutions, and efforts to tackle corruption, thereby creating a peaceful and prosperous Georgia that can contribute to stability in the region and the rest of Europe,

B.  whereas the recent protests by the opposition, the declaration of a state of emergency and the heavy-handed police clamp-down on protesters and independent media outlets have highlighted the need further to consolidate democratic rules and institutions in Georgia and to develop its political culture, in particular the relations between the government and the opposition parties,

C.  whereas recent events also call into question the rule of law in Georgia and the ability of its democratic and judicial institutions to carry out their constitutional roles in accordance with European and international standards,

D.  whereas President Saakashvili’s decision to call early presidential elections may help to defuse the tense political situation and allow a democratic solution to the political conflict between government and opposition to be reached,

1.  Calls for an immediate lifting of the state of emergency, a full and impartial inquiry into the alleged police and security force brutality and a restoration of full media freedom in Georgia;

2.  Asks the Georgian authorities to respect fully the right of peaceful protest and the right of assembly, and to guarantee that all political parties can take a full part in a truly democratic election process, in accordance with the European and international standards that Georgia has undertaken to respect;

3.  Points out that a failure to respect democratic standards and abide by the rule of law will undermine the accomplishment of Georgia’s stated aim of Euro-Atlantic integration;

4.  Calls on the Georgian President and Government to engage in a constructive dialogue with all the opposition parties with a view to securing broad consensus on the pressing constitutional and election-related issues; underlines that the need to respect democratic rules also applies to the opposition parties and that the right to peaceful protest and demonstrations must be enjoyed in full compliance with the law, with every effort being made to avoid violent or unlawful acts;

5.  Notes the decision by President Saakashvili to hold early presidential elections in January 2008 and hopes that the timetable for these elections will allow sufficient time for a transparent and democratic campaign with broad participation by civil society;

6.  Welcomes the readiness of the Georgian authorities to allow international observers to monitor these elections and points out that equal access to the media and impartial and objective treatment by the authorities will be of special concern;

7.  Calls on the Georgian authorities to clarify rapidly the legal framework for the elections and to make sure that the electoral register is as accurate as possible and that the elections are administered in an impartial and professional way on all levels; calls also for renewed efforts in the fight against corruption at all levels of society;

8.  Notes with concern the allegations of Russian intelligence involvement in the political process in Georgia and underlines the need for increased transparency in political life, in particular as regards party funding, media access and internal party democracy; stresses that these allegations must be proved in accordance with domestic law and international practice;

9.  Reiterates its commitment to Georgia’s territorial integrity and calls on the Council and the Commission to make further efforts to support the search for a peaceful and negotiated settlement of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia conflicts;

10.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Presidency-in-Office, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the President and Parliament of Georgia, the de facto authorities in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and the State Duma and President of the Russian Federation.

• [1]  OJ C 098 E, 23.4.2004, p. 193.
• [2]  OJ C 166 E, 7.7.2005, p. 63.
• [3]  Texts adopted: P6_TA-PROV(2007)0538.