MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
28.5.2008
pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by Georgs Andrejevs and Frédérique Ries
on behalf of the ALDE Group
on the situation in Georgia
B6‑0287/2008
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 reports and resolutions on Georgia and on the regions, notably its resolution of 17 January 2008 on ‘A More Effective EU Policy for South Caucasus’[1], its resolution of 17 January 2008 on ‘A Black Sea Regional Policy Approach’[2] and its resolution of 29 November 2007 on the situation in Georgia,
– having regard to the final statement and recommendations of the 10th meeting of the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee held in Tbilisi 29-30 April 2008,
– having regard to its reports on the European Neighbourhood Policy, notably its report adopted in November 2007,
– 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 supports the necessary political and economic reforms, measures to establish solid and efficient democratic institutions and an effective and independent judiciary, and further efforts to combat corruption, thereby creating a peaceful and prosperous Georgia that can contribute to stability in the region and the rest of Europe,
B. whereas the political unrest in Georgia in 2007 led to early presidential elections in January 2008 and to the holding of parliamentary elections on 21 May, after massive demonstrations, the declaration of a state of emergency and a heavy-handed police clamp-down on the protesters and on independent media outlets in Autumn 2007; whereas these events highlighted the efforts made but also the need to further 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 these events called into question the rule of law in Georgia and the ability of the democratic and judicial institutions to carry out their constitutional roles in accordance with European and international standards,
D. whereas the presidential elections in January 2008 were deemed to have been held largely in compliance with OSCE and Council of Europe standards, but with a number of shortcomings identified and recommendations given to strengthen the legal framework for elections and the conduct of political campaigns,
E. whereas Russia’s decision to establish formal links with the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia has led to a deterioration in relations between Georgia and Russia and whereas this decision has been accompanied by numerous incidents such as the shooting down of a Georgian surveillance drone and the posting of more Russian military personnel and materiel in Abkhazia,
1. Takes note of the outcome of the parliamentary elections on 21 May and the findings of the Election Observation Mission, which states that overall the election day was calm and generally was assessed positively and that substantial progress has been made since the January presidential elections;
2. Emphasises that further efforts must be made to correct the problems and shortcomings identified in the election process; underlines the need for measures to ease the tense and polarized situation between the political parties;
3. Calls on the Georgian President and all political parties to engage in a constructive dialogue in order to secure a broad consensus on constitutional and election-related issues; stresses that the need to respect democratic rules applies to all parties, government and opposition alike, and that the right to peaceful protest and demonstrations has to be enjoyed in full compliance with the law and with all efforts made to avoid violent or unlawful acts;
4. Welcomes the readiness of the Georgian authorities to allow international observers to monitor these elections and stresses that any recommendations should be fully implemented;
5. Expresses its serious concern over Russia’s decision to establish formal links with the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and reiterates its full support for the territorial integrity of Georgia; calls on Russia to refrain from any further action which could aggravate the tension and to take measures to improve relations with Georgia;
6. Calls on the Presidency-in-Office to bring up the situation in Georgia during the June EU-Russia summit and to offer a greater EU involvement in the conflict resolution process, including the possibility of an EU peace-keeping mission on the ground and a replacement of the CIS and Russian troops;
7. Welcomes the Georgian proposals for far-reaching autonomy for Abkhazia and South Ossetia and the on-going discussion of various federal models that are now being debated within Georgia as potential elements of a settlement of the conflicts;
8. Welcomes the Council Conclusions of 18 February 2008 on the European Neighbourhood Policy concerning the need to start negotiations on broad and comprehensive Free Trade Agreements (DFTA) where possible; urges the Commission to seek a rapid agreement with Georgia on its ambitions and to secure a negotiation mandate from the Member States; hopes for further progress on this matter during the French Presidency;
9. Urges the Commission and the Member States to start negotiations with Georgia on visa facilitation and readmission agreements to ensure that citizens of Georgia are not disadvantaged relative to those holding Russian passports in Abkhazia and South Ossetia;
10. Hopes that Georgia will make full use of the additional financial possibilities provided by the Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF), in particular in projects relating to infrastructure, energy and environmental protection, but calls on the Commission to pay increased attention to education, democracy building and social areas;
11. Calls for continued attention to the plight of refugees and displaced persons and calls on the Council and the Commission to play a more active role in assisting Georgia in this regard;
12. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Council of Europe, the President and Parliament of Georgia, the de facto authorities in South Ossetia and Abkhazia and to the State Duma and President of the Russian Federation.