Motion for a resolution - B7-0469/2012Motion for a resolution
B7-0469/2012

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on elections in Georgia

17.10.2012 - (2012/2816(RSP))

to wind up the debate on the statement by the Commission
pursuant to Rule 110(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Charles Tannock, Ryszard Antoni Legutko, Tomasz Piotr Poręba, Ryszard Czarnecki on behalf of the ECR Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0467/2012

Procedure : 2012/2816(RSP)
Document stages in plenary
Document selected :  
B7-0469/2012

B7‑0469/2012

European Parliament resolution on elections in Georgia

(2012/2816(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia of 17 November 2011 on the Negotiations of the EU Georgia Association Agreement, of 20 May 2010 on the Need for an EU Strategy for South Caucasus, of 7 April 2011 on to the European Neighbourhood Policy - Eastern Dimension,

–   having regard to the Joint Statement by the High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Stefan Füle on the results of Georgia’s parliamentary elections on 2 October 2012,

–   having regard to the Statement of Preliminary Findings and Conclusions of the International Election Observation of Georgia’s Parliamentary Elections issued on 2 October 2012,

–   having regard to the European Neighbourhood Policy Progress Report on Georgia on 15 May 2012,

–   having regard to the Joint Declaration of the Prague Eastern Partnership Summit of 7 May 2009,

–   having regard to Rule 110(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the EU favours a stable and democratic Georgia that respects the principles of the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities, a social market economy, and that guarantees fundamental rights; whereas Georgia’s domestic political stability and continued focus on internal reform is important for the further development of relations between the EU and Georgia;

B.  whereas the last parliamentary elections in Georgia held on 1 October 2012 were free and fair and in line with internationally recognised standards; whereas the freedom of association, assembly and expression were respected and, despite a very polarised political campaign prior to the elections, the people freely expressed their will;

C. whereas the EU and Georgia made progress in deepening and broadening EU-Georgia relations within the Eastern Partnership framework; whereas the negotiations and signature of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, including a DCFTA, is important for Georgia’s European perspective;

D. whereas the EU remained committed to and continued to fully support Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of conflicts in Georgia;

E.  whereas the video footages broadcasted on 19 September 2012 showed torture of inmates held in Georgian prisons and revealed misconducts and abuses by agencies responsible for law and order;

F.  whereas Georgia is a member of the Council of Europe and a party to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as well as a number of other international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

1.  Welcomes the fact that Georgia has successfully conducted its first truly competitive elections, which were free and fair with respect for the rules and standards of international law, and held under an improved legal framework and administrated in an overall professional and transparent manner; underlines that this election was an important step towards the democratic development of Georgia and for the political future of the country;

2.  Calls on all political parties to respect the will of the voters as reflected in the outcome of the elections, and to respect a free and peaceful post electoral environment and to stay within the legal framework and the rule of law;

3.  Welcomes President Saakashvili’s statement accepting his party’s defeat in the elections and underlines that this statement at such an early stage after the elections shows maturity of Georgian political class and is a positive signal with regard to democracy in Georgia;

4.  Calls on the new government and the opposition to assume their responsibilities and to work together, to concentrate on the further democratic development of the country and to remain fully committed to the promotion of democracy and good governance;

5.  Calls on the new government to address all recommendations of the International Election Observation, including the issue of disparity of the population size among single mandate constituencies and possibility of using administrative resources for campaign purposes;

6.  Calls on the Council and the Commission to step up its work on the negotiations of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement and consider in line with the principle of ‘more-for-more’ to redouble the efforts at completing negotiations on the visa free regime between Georgia and the European Union;

7.  Expects that the new government will continue the policy of strong cooperation with the EU and NATO;

8.  Insists that the new government continue to combat corruption and implement the political reforms;

9.  Welcomes the rapid reaction of the outgoing government after publication of the video footage from the prison on 19 September including decisive actions taken in order to investigate the circumstances of the abuse and to bring those responsible to justice; takes note of immediate resignation of two ministers in relation to this scandal;

10. Calls on the VP/HR to intensify talks with Russia to ensure the unconditional fulfilment of 2008 cease - fire agreement and call on Russia to withdraw its recognition for Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and allow the full and unfettered access of the EU Monitoring Mission to these Georgian territories;

11. Stresses the need for the new government to maintain and enhance Georgia’s constructive engagement in the Geneva International Discussions;

12. Stresses the importance of the adoption and the implementation of a stringent and effective law on party financing as well as a law on potential and actual conflicts of interest in order to draw a clear line of separation between private and public interests for persons holding public offices;

13. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the European External Action Service, to the President, Government and Parliament of Georgia, Parliamentary Assemblies of the Council Europe and the OSCE.