Resoconto integrale delle discussioni

Venerdì 26 ottobre 2012 - Strasburgo

3. Elezioni in Georgia (discussione)

  Presidente. − L'ordine del giorno reca la discussione sulla dichiarazione della Commissione sulle elezioni in Georgia.

  Štefan Füle, Member of the Commission. − Madam President, I am very glad to have the chance to address honourable Members today on the situation in Georgia and on the recent elections. Parliament contributed to the observation mission conducted in Georgia by OSCE-ODIHR, and to the balanced and highly pertinent statement of preliminary findings which was released on 2 October. I want to signal my appreciation for that work, and for the ongoing commitment of all Members to Georgia’s long-term democratic development.

I can only support the assessment made by President Schulz: these elections were, in the main, competitive, free and peaceful. They indicate growing democratic maturity and underscore Georgia’s commitment to its democratic path.

Of course, there will be important lessons to learn from these elections, and we will await the final report of OSCE-ODIHR with great interest. We should not forget the key issues that preoccupied us in the run-up to the polls – freedom of assembly, access to the media, campaign financing, and the use of administrative resources. It is important to remain vigilant on all these issues. I am glad that the European Union was able to contribute to the quality of these elections through media monitoring, parallel voter tabulation, and other forms of assistance.

There has been a change of government, but it is important to stress continuity in some critical areas. Georgia’s foreign policy continues to be oriented towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. It is important to underline that clearly, and from the start. The new government has also already very clearly expressed its ambition to move forward at speed with critical processes such as the Association Agreement, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area negotiations, and the visa liberalisation process. In return, we have assured it of the European Union’s ongoing commitment to support those ambitions, in terms of technical support, policy dialogue, and the effective targeting of financial assistance.

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Tbilisi with the Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service, both of us representing High Representative and Vice-President Ashton. We met with Prime Minister Ivanishvili, the new Minister of Defence, Irakli Alasania, the new Foreign Minister, Maia Panjikidze, and the new Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Aleksi Petriashvili. Obviously, these will be key relationships for the European Union in the coming months and years. We also met President Saakashvili; we underlined our appreciation of his statesmanlike conduct, emphasised our full support for the constitutional rights of the Presidency, and recalled the need for effective political opposition in any democracy. We also met representatives of civil society to listen to their impressions of the election and its aftermath.

This visit was an opportunity to get to know our new interlocutors, and to stress three main points. Firstly, that all European Union ‘offers’ are still on the table, and we are ready to work with the new administration as quickly and as energetically as they wish. Secondly, that we expect both the cohabiting partners – Presidency and government – to build on the commitments they have made to a smooth and professional handover, and to support the long-term interests of Georgia and its people. Finally, we have of course reminded our hosts that the European Union is committed to Georgia’s territorial integrity. Through the Geneva International Discussions and the European Union Monitoring Mission, we are the guarantors of Georgia’s security. We will not step away from these responsibilities, but at the same time we expect Georgia to shoulder its responsibilities too.

I came away reassured that Georgia’s democracy is in good health, and that both Prime Minister Ivanishvili and President Saakashvili are committed to working together and to the continuation of a smooth transfer of power in their country’s best interest. They will face significant challenges during their cohabitation, and we should not be complacent, but I believe we should lend both sides our impartial support and focus on values rather than personalities.

Madam President, honourable Members, I very much look forward to hearing your views.

  Krzysztof Lisek, w imieniu grupy PPE. – Pani Przewodnicząca! Panie Komisarzu! Serdecznie dziękuję za te słowa i za Pana osobiste zaangażowanie w sprawy gruzińskie. Rozmawialiśmy tuż przed wyborami i myślę, że będziemy ten dialog nadal prowadzić, bo Gruzja tego dialogu potrzebuje. Oczywiście gratulacje należą się zwycięzcom, ale gratulacje należą się przede wszystkim społeczeństwu gruzińskiemu, które zdało egzamin z demokracji. Mimo różnych napięć te wybory były najlepszymi wyborami w tamtym rejonie Europy od zawsze – można by powiedzieć. Myślę, że należą się podziękowania dla prezydenta Saakaszwiliego, który uznał porażkę swojej partii i przekazał w sposób pokojowy władzę. To nigdy się nie działo w ten sposób na Kaukazie. Pozostaje wyrazić nadzieję na kontynuację przez nowy rząd dotychczasowej polityki zagranicznej i tego prozachodniego kierunku, który objęła Gruzja kilka lat temu. My musimy oczywiście pilnować, aby wszystko było w porządku, aby demokracja funkcjonowała normalnie, aby prezydent, rząd, większość parlamentarna i opozycja współpracowali zgodnie dla dobra Gruzji.

  Libor Rouček, on behalf of the S&D Group. – Madam President, let me first of all congratulate the Georgian people on the outcome of these peaceful and free elections. For the first time in modern Georgian history we have seen a peaceful transition of power. It is a great achievement.

However, in a democracy this is not the end: there are huge tasks facing the political class in Georgia and the people of Georgia. The reforms have to continue. There must be cooperation between the winners and the losers, between the President and the new government. The tasks include internal reforms, both political and economic. As social democrats, we would also like to see social inequality being tackled, to see workers’ and social rights bolstered, to see assurances for the trade unions on free and independent movement and free and independent work, so that the rights of the Georgian people are guaranteed.

There has been talk about foreign-policy orientation. The new government has stressed that it will continue on the Euro-Atlantic path, and we welcome that. But there is also a chance to normalise – or at least attempt to normalise – Georgia’s relations with its big northern neighbour, Russia. There is a chance to move forward with the situation in the occupied territories, and I think we will support that.

The Commissioner mentioned the association agreement and the deep and comprehensive free trade agreement. We should pay attention to these matters, and try to speed up the process. In the same way, we would like to see a speeding-up of the visa liberalisation process so that the Georgian people, especially young people, have a chance to come to the countries of the European Union, to engage in exchanges with us, and to move closer to European values and to the nations and people of the EU.

  Norica Nicolai, în numele grupului ALDE. – Aceste alegeri din Georgia au dovedit încă o dată vocaţia democratică a popoarelor din Caucaz, şi în special a poporului georgian, pentru că ele pot fi considerate un model de desfăşurare a alegerilor într-o ţară confruntată în istoria ei cu foarte multe derapaje democratice. Georgia a dovedit prin aceste alegeri libere, corecte, competitive, că poate stabiliza o democraţie în raport de valorile europene, şi că este ataşată acestor valori.

Cu siguranţă, foarte multe lucruri încă mai trebuie făcute în Georgia pentru ca acest parcurs democratic să nu fie relativ şi să nu fie fluidizat, mai ales în conjunctura externă şi în conflictele pe care Georgia le are de foarte multă vreme cu marele său vecin, aşa cum spunea un coleg. Dar Georgia cred că trebuie sprijinită, în primul rând în proiectul ei de liberalizare a vizelor, pentru că asta va permite cetăţenilor georgieni să fie mai aproape de valorile europene, şi în încheierea celor două acorduri. Actualul guvern, dominat în special de liberali, vă asigur că va continua politica de apropiere europeană şi parcursul euroatlantic al Georgiei. Este un guvern care va încerca să stabilizeze instituţiile, să le modernizeze şi cu siguranţă nu va avea niciun fel de tentaţie totalitară, ceea ce din păcate s-a mai întâmplat în parcursul Georgiei. Cred însă că Georgia este o lecţie pentru celelalte state din Caucaz, şi cred însă că Georgia are în continuare nevoie de sprijinul nostru.

Cred că, domnule comisar, ceea ce faceţi pentru acest spaţiu trebuie continuat, pentru că este o abordare de succes a Comisiei noastre, şi inclusiv noi trebuie să fim mândri de modul în care am sprijinit această ţară în evoluţia ei şi în apropierea ei de Uniunea Europeană.

  Ulrike Lunacek, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. – Madam President, I would like to thank the Commissioner for his clear words. I would also like to follow up on what my colleagues have already said and congratulate Georgian citizens on a really democratic election and a peaceful transition of power. This is the first time that a change of government has been carried out by vote in the Southern Caucasus since the end of the Soviet Union, so this was really a good step forward.

Some things do still need to be improved in the electoral law, but I also hope that both sides, President Saakashvili and Prime Minister Ivanishvili, will work in a concerted effort seeking consensus and compromise in the time of cohabitation. I would like to remind them that cooperation and not confrontation is one of the principles of the European Union.

There are, however, two issues which I would like to mention which I think it is important to tackle quickly and thoroughly in the short term. Firstly, Georgia needs a stringent and effective law on party financing and also a law on potential and actual conflicts of interest, to draw a clear line of separation between private and public interests for persons holding office. I think it is essential in a democracy that you know where parties get money from, and how campaigning is done. This needs to be transparent and a law on this matter needs to be enacted as soon as possible in the Parliament.

A second thing: I would like to remind ourselves and everyone else who is listening about the shocking images of torture in Georgian prisons which we saw before the elections. It is necessary to hold a thorough investigation into that and to undertake an in-depth reform of the penitentiary system in Georgia so citizens in Georgia can enjoy life without violation of human rights.

  Adam Bielan, w imieniu grupy ECR. – Pani Przewodnicząca! Gruzińskie wybory parlamentarne przeprowadzone zostały w sposób pokojowy, z poszanowaniem pełni zasad demokratycznych i praw wyborczych. Niewątpliwie przyczyniła się do tego również misja obserwatorów Parlamentu Europejskiego, jak i parlamentów narodowych, w tym polskiego. Osobom bezpośrednio zaangażowanym należą się wyrazy uznania i podziękowania. Gruzja jest jednym z członków założycieli Partnerstwa Wschodniego, nastawionym od początku na szeroką współpracę z Europą.

Cieszy więc powyborcze zapewnienie zwycięskiej koalicji, że celem Tbilisi pozostaje integracja z Unią Europejską i NATO oraz że kraj nigdy nie powróci na rosyjską orbitę ani nie przystąpi do poradzieckiej Wspólnoty Niepodległych Państw. Szczególnego znaczenia nabiera przy tym potwierdzenie dotychczasowego stanowiska w sprawie okupowanych przez Rosję gruzińskich prowincji. Nasza dyplomatyczna ofensywa w tej sprawie jest nieodzowna. Stałe wzmacnianie stosunków z Gruzją musi być jednym z celów europejskiej polityki zagranicznej. Nowy rząd Bidziny Iwaniszwilego zaproponował kontynuację reform gospodarczych i zwalczanie korupcji, dlatego Bruksela winna wzmocnić aktywność dla wsparcia i promowania rozwoju. Liczę na podtrzymanie dotychczasowej doskonałej współpracy z Tbilisi oraz na realizację zaprezentowanych przez nowego premiera działań.

  Jaromír Kohlíček, za skupinu GUE/NGL. – Paní předsedající, jižní Kavkaz je geograficky Evropou. Soudě podle návrhů rezolucí, které jsme dosud v Evropském parlamentu probírali, včetně právě diskutovaného návrhu, většina z mých kolegů zřejmě nepochopila, že jsou zde jiné poměry než v zemích západní Evropy.

Je pravdou, že právě v této zemi našla Berta Suttnerová, velká propagátorka světového míru a mírového řešení sporů, azyl ve druhé polovině 19. století. Stejně tak je pravdou, že odtud pochází i proslulý Josif Vissarionovič. Jižní Kavkaz je specifický tím, že zde je a vždy byl obrovský propletenec národů a národností. Vždy zde zasahovaly velké mocnosti, ať už to bylo Rusko, Persie, Turecko nebo některé dnešní státy Evropské unie.

Gruzínský koňak je proslulý svojí kvalitou. Gruzínci svojí srdečností a je třeba jim blahopřát k demokratickému průběhu voleb. Přesto je třeba mít na paměti, že jsme daleko na východě. Rodiny drží více pohromadě než v západní Evropě a rodinné klany se daleko více projevují i na politické scéně.

Některé neuvážené formulace z navrhovaného usnesení Evropského parlamentu chápu jako pokračování výrazných protiruských akcentů. Ty ostatně nejsou ve vyjádřeních politiků Evropské unie týkajících se Kavkazu ničím novým. Za naprosto nepřijatelný považuji výraz „de facto okupace Jižní Osetie a Abcházie“. Jeho autoři zároveň prosazují tzv. nezávislost Kosova, což není dobrou vizitkou těchto velikánů zahraniční politiky Evropské unie.

Je nejvyšší čas přestat s pokrytectvím, prosazováním dvojích standardů a nastolit normální bilaterální vztahy i s novou vládou v Gruzii. Tato rezoluce rozhodně nastoluje otázku vážnosti snah o spolupráci s Ruskou federací při řešení situace nejen v Gruzii, ale na celém jižním Kavkaze. Je čas vymanit se z koloniálních reminiscencí a začít považovat sousedy Evropské unie za skutečné partnery.

Tuto rezoluci skupina GUE/NGL z výše zmíněných důvodů nemůže podpořit.

(Řečník souhlasil s tím, že odpoví na otázku položenou zvednutím modré karty (čl. 149 odst. 8 jednacího řádu).)

  Marek Henryk Migalski (ECR), pytanie zadane przez podniesienie „niebieskiej kartki” skierowane do Jaromira Kohlíčka. – Dziękuję bardzo za przyjęcie pytania zadanego przez podniesienie „niebieskiej kartki”. Pana grupa polityczna jest tradycyjnie prorosyjska, ale macie do tego prawo. Każdy ma prawo do swoich sympatii. Powiedział Pan jednak, że w naszej rezolucji są akcent antyrosyjskie. Czy byłby Pan łaskaw powiedzieć, które to są akcenty? – bo chyba nie te, że domagamy się dopełnienia sześciopunktowego planu Sarkozy’ego o wycofaniu wojsk rosyjskich z terenu Gruzji. Czy wobec tego byłby Pan w stanie powiedzieć, jakie to antyrosyjskie elementy znalazły się w tej rezolucji?

  Jaromír Kohlíček (GUE/NGL), odpověď na otázku položenou zvednutím modré karty. – Já si myslím, že je to zajímavý dotaz. Možná by se pan kolega měl trošičku poučit o tom, co se vlastně stalo v Gruzii, jaká je situace na Kavkaze a pak by mu došlo, že právo na sebeurčení zde je tvrdě pošlapáváno.

V Gruzii byla tři autonomní území, která měla svoje vlastní vlády. Jedno z nich bylo rozehnáno tvrdým zásahem armádních jednotek a další dvě se tomu vlastně vyhnula jenom díky tomu, že tam zasáhli Rusové. Já si myslím, že je úplně jedno, jestli jsou tam Rusové nebo jestli je tam kdokoliv jiný. Jde spíše o to, jestli lidé v Abcházii a Jižní Osetii mají právo na to tam žít, protože tam šlo opravdu o životy.

A dovoluji si vám doporučit, abyste se tam jel podívat, abyste si pohovořil s místními lidmi a to na obou stranách dnešní hranice. Je to velmi zajímavé, není to jako v Polsku, je to velmi odlišné.

  Juozas Imbrasas, EFD frakcijos vardu. – Džiaugiuosi, kad man teko stebėti Gruzijoje vykusius rinkimus. Norėčiau padėkoti už suteiktą progą ir taip pat pabrėžti, kad naują šalies parlamentą rinkusi Gruzija sėkmingai išlaikė demokratijos egzaminą. Gruzija pademonstravo labai didelį pasitikėjimą Europa ir parodė, kad puikiai išmoko jos duotas pamokas. Konkrečiai norėčiau padėkoti Europos saugumo ir bendradarbiavimo organizacijos Demokratinių institucijų ir žmogaus teisių biurui, kuris atliko didelį darbą. Manau, kad šie rinkimai praėjo ramiai, taikiai, buvo gerai organizuoti. Tikiuosi, kad naujoji vyriausybė toliau bendradarbiaus su Europos Sąjunga ir NATO, viliuosi, jog Europos Sąjungos ir Gruzijos santykiai išliks tvirti ir ateityje. Geras pavyzdys besivystančioms demokratijoms: Gruzijoje abi pusės – ir pozicija, ir opozicija – norėjo, kad rinkimai būtų skaidrūs, ir tai davė gerą rezultatą, bet, deja, ne visur tai pavyksta.

  Andreas Mölzer (NI). - Frau Präsidentin! Abgesehen von einigen Zwischenfällen verlief die Parlamentswahl in Georgien im Großen und Ganzen frei und demokratisch. Jetzt, neun Jahre nach der unblutigen Rosenrevolution im Jahr 2003, ist das Machtmonopol von Saakaschwili gebrochen. Der Held der damaligen Revolution bekommt mit dieser Wahl die Rechnung dafür präsentiert, dass er sich im Lauf seines Feldzuges gegen Korruption zum autoritären Führer gewandelt hat.

Allein, dass es erstmals eine starke Opposition gibt, ist zweifellos schon eine demokratische Errungenschaft. Bald wird sich zeigen, ob und wie die Zusammenarbeit funktioniert. Zu hoffen steht jedenfalls, dass anstehende Reformen – etwa des Rechtssystems – angegangen werden, und vor allem, dass der bisherige pro-westliche Kurs mit der angestrebten Mitgliedschaft in der NATO und der Europäischen Union beibehalten wird bzw. nicht an Schwung verliert.

Viel wird meines Erachtens davon abhängen, ob Iwanischwili, der neue georgische Hoffnungsträger für Demokratie und Wohlstand, die in ihn gesetzten Hoffnungen auch erfüllt. Die neue Partei Georgischer Traum wird sicher erst einmal zeigen müssen, wie sie mit Machtmissbrauch seitens der ehemaligen Rosenrevolutionäre umgeht.

Letztlich steht zu hoffen, dass im Rahmen der zweifellos anstehenden politischen Säuberungsaktionen nicht nach ukrainischem Vorbild die fundamentalsten rechtsstaatlichen und demokratischen Grundsätze über Bord geworfen werden.

  Arnaud Danjean (PPE). - Madame la Présidente, Monsieur le Commissaire, les élections libres et exemplaires qui ont eu lieu en Géorgie et que nous avons eu le privilège d'observer avec un certain nombre de collègues ont conduit ce pays à connaître l'alternance démocratique, ce qui est un grand privilège dans cette région.

L'ironie, évidemment, c'est que ceux qui ont remporté ces élections et que nous devons féliciter sont aussi ceux qui ont, pendant la campagne, décrié une dictature dirigée par des criminels. Il faut espérer, aujourd'hui, que ces nouveaux dirigeants seront un peu plus sages et raisonnables dans l'action gouvernementale qu'ils ne l'ont parfois été dans les propos de campagne.

L'Union européenne, pour sa part – comme vous l'avez très bien fait, lors de votre premier voyage à Tbilissi, il faut le souligner –, doit, sans paranoïa mais sans naïveté non plus, être très attentive à ce qui se passe en Géorgie, juger les nouvelles autorités sur leurs actions, sur leurs résultats et pas seulement sur les intentions déclaratoires. Puis, l'Union européenne doit aussi rester vigilante pour rappeler à ses autorités qu'une alternance, ce n'est pas une revanche.

  Кристиан Вигенин (S&D). - Първо бих искал да пожелая успех на новото правителство на Грузия, начело с министър-председателя Иванишвили. Ключовите постове в него са поверени на хора с ясна политическа и професионална биография и само по себе си това е положителен знак и към грузинските граждани, и към чуждестранните партньори.

Искам да подчертая нещо на пръв поглед парадоксално — загубата на партията на президента Саакашвили и мирната смяна във властта са най-силното доказателство, че Революцията на розите постигна целите си. Грузия се доказа като функционираща демокрация. Щастливият край обаче не бива да ни прави слепи за тревожните сигнали, които идваха по време на предизборната кампания.

Смятам, че до пълното опорочаване на изборите крачката беше много малка и съм убеден, че силното присъствие на Европейския съюз оказа сдържащо въздействие. Тук е мястото да изкажем благодарност на Катрин Аштън и Щефан Фюле за чудесната работа, която те и техните екипи свършиха на място.

Сега е моментът на бъдат отразени бързо препоръките на Организацията за сигурност и сътрудничество в Европа за изборите, да бъдат коригирани всички недостатъци на законодателството, така че президентските избори догодина да затвърдят положителните тенденции.

Сегашната ситуация на съжителство на премиер и президент от различни партии е огромно предизвикателство и за утвърдени демокрации, но вярвам, че общите дългосрочни цели ще помогнат да се превъзмогне партийното и личностно противопоставяне, което според мен в момента е най-сериозната заплаха за Грузия.

Важно е да се гарантира, че Грузия ще продължи работата си по сближаване с Европейския съюз за успешни преговори по Споразумението за асоцииране. Заедно с това очакваме новата власт да направи повече в подкрепа на бедните слоеве от населението, за укрепване на трудовите права, за коригиране на недъзите и неравенствата, които остави досегашната ултралиберална икономическа политика.

Накрая бих искал да споделя, че очаквам с нетърпение формирането на новата делегация на Грузия в Парламентарната асамблея Евронест. Разчитам нейният състав да позволи грузински депутати да се включат в групите на основните политически семейства — Народна партия, социалисти и либерали.

Използвам случая да благодаря на досегашните членове на делегацията и се надявам, че с част тях ще продължим да работим и занапред.

  Graham Watson (ALDE). - Madam President, the odds were heavily stacked against it, but we had a peaceful transition of power. It happened, we should welcome it, and we should congratulate Mr Ivanishvili and his government on assuming office. His commitment to an early visit to Brussels, and his appointment of Alex Petriashvili as European Affairs Minister, suggests we can be confident in the government’s European intentions and must look forward to progress towards an association agreement, a free trade agreement and visa-free travel, and new efforts in the Geneva international discussions.

But let us not underestimate or forget how bad things had become: the reports of the international election observers about harassment and intimidation during the campaign; the regular reports from Amnesty International about the situation in Georgia; and those horrific prison torture videos that came out. Only time will tell whether Mr Saakashvili’s acceptance of defeat was a virtuous bow to democratic values, or a tactical retreat under international pressure, as Tedo Japaridze has suggested. The Foreign Affairs Council stressed the importance of an effective political opposition and a vibrant civil society and of supporting capacity-building. I think they might start by deploring the tone and the language of the speech by the Member of the Georgian Parliament Giorgi Gabashvili in the debate yesterday.

  Indrek Tarand (Verts/ALE). - Madam President, I have observed in this Chamber that our debates and resolutions about other countries are often dominated by party political passion rather than cool assessment of facts. Hence I am more than happy with today’s result, which is balanced and objective. I would like to applaud the Greens, Liberals and Social Democrats for their appreciation of statements made by, and the behaviour of, President Saakashvili after the elections, despite the frequently justified criticisms that have been directed at this President of Georgia.

The same praise goes to our Conservative colleagues for giving the winning former opposition the benefit of the doubt. We agree that the de facto occupation of Georgian territories by Russia should be stopped, but we should also try to behave according to the spirit of our texts, and it is not only for this Parliament’s delegation to raise this issue with Russia: Baroness Ashton, Commissioner Füle and every Commission official at every meeting with Russian colleagues should bring the issue to the table. Perhaps the business leaders of Europe should also talk about it until the Russian Government understands.

In paragraph 10 of the motion for a resolution, we refer to the need for better rules on party financing in Georgia. It is true that such rules are needed, and I agree with my colleague Ulrike Lunacek there. But we should also focus on our own rules, in the context of a new set of rules for political parties and their financing at European level as well as party financing in the various Member States.

I am ashamed to report to this Chamber that the former Communists governing Estonia – important players in the old totalitarian Soviet system – are mismanaging public and private funds in the most cynical ways in order to reinforce their vertical power structure. We should demand that former Communists, who nowadays have the unfortunate habit of calling themselves Liberals, apply the same financing rules that we expect our Georgian friends to apply to their political parties.

  Elena Băsescu (PPE). - Am participat la misiunea de observare; din punct de vedere tehnic, alegerile au fost corecte, ceea ce reprezintă în sine o realizare notabilă şi pentru care doresc să felicit fostul guvern care a organizat alegerile. Însă consider că „Visul georgian” a folosit instrumente media şi financiare uriaşe, cele din urmă având o provenienţă îndoielnică, cu scopul de a-şi cumpăra favoruri şi electorat, tendinţă deja vizibilă, consider, în întreaga regiune. Acest tip de a face politică creează distorsiuni majore în democraţiile tinere, pentru că modele devin astfel îmbogăţirea peste noapte, neîncurajarea muncii şi corectitudinii.

Exerciţiul electoral şi transferul puterii au reprezentat un pas în direcţia cea bună, însă este obligatoriu ca acestea să fie dublate de o coabitare eficientă şi instituţionalizată. Din păcate, probabil în febra victoriei, câştigătorii au trimis mesajul greşit cerând demisia preşedintelui ales prin vot popular. Pentru un guvern care ipotetic îşi doreşte continuarea Acordului de asociere şi apropierea de UE, presiunile şi ameninţările la adresa oponenţilor politici sunt inacceptabile.

  Anna Ibrisagic (PPE). - Fru talman! Herr kommissionsledamot! Maktskiftet i Georgien har skett efter ett demokratiskt, rättvist och fritt val enligt OSSE och Europarådet. Detta är ett historiskt steg för Georgien men det krävs fler sådana maktskiften för att vi med säkerhet kan säga att demokrati och fria val har kommit till Georgien för att stanna.

Under övergångsperioden måste alla politiska partier visa att de kan samarbeta och ta ansvar för Georgiens framtid och Georgiens europeiska väg. Det är samarbete och förmågan att kompromissa som kommer att avgöra om perioden av konstitutionell samlevnad kommer att bli lyckad.

I den meningen ger mig både herr Saakasjvilis snabba erkännande av att hans parti var besegrat och även herr Ivanisjvilis tillbakatagande av kravet på Saakasjvilis avgång hopp om att detta samarbete och denna kompromissvilja finns. Jag uppmanar båda två herrarna att tillsammans arbeta för Georgiens väl.

Det är också glädjande att den nya regeringen har uttalat viljan att fortsätta på den europeiska vägen och att Ivanisjvili har för avsikt att göra sin första resa till Bryssel. Med det är lika viktigt att fortsätta samarbetet med NATO och fortsätta med den Europa-atlantiska integrationen. EU har för avsikt att fortsätta utveckla sina relationer med Georgien. Det är bra för Georgien och det är bra för EU.

  Cristian Dan Preda (PPE). - Vreau în primul rând să salut şi eu atitudinea înţeleaptă a preşedintelui Saakaşvili, care nu a avut ezitări şi a recunoscut victoria „Visului georgian”. Acum, sigur, toată lumea speră ca visul să nu se transforme în coşmar. Îngrijorări există, deşi ele nu au fost foarte clar exprimate aici, pentru că nu e uşor să te gândeşti că o ţară care a fost atât de mult ameninţată de Rusia are acum ca prim-ministru un om îmbogăţit, un miliardar îmbogăţit tocmai în Rusia. Să nu fim naivi, cum spunea cineva. De asta cred şi eu, aşa cum au subliniat colegii mei, şi doamna Lunacek, şi domnul Tarand, că problema corupţiei politice, şi mai ales a statutului partidelor, chestiunea finanţării lor, reprezintă puncte importante pe agenda politică din Georgia.

În fine, aş saluta faptul că primul-ministru are intenţia să vină la Bruxelles; e un semn că poate există o şansă de continuare a colaborării cu Uniunea.

  Tunne Kelam (PPE). - Madam President, in contrast to the elections in Belarus, the electoral process in Georgia has demonstrated the country’s growing democratic maturity. Commissioner, I would like to thank you for your timely visit to Georgia and for meeting both sides there.

It is in the EU’s and Georgia’s mutual interest now to make the maximum effort to keep Georgia on its freely chosen course towards Euro-Atlantic integration. Provided that the new government follows up its declarations with deeds, Georgians now have a chance to deepen their democracy. However, we need to remain vigilant, particularly given the powerful role played by money in the election campaign and the fact that the bulk of that money was made in Russia and is connected with the winning party.

I call on the Commission to speed up its efforts to achieve visa liberalisation as soon as possible, to make maximum use of the fact that both Georgia and Russia have now become members of the World Trade Organisation, and strongly to defend Georgia’s territorial integrity, while ensuring that EU observers have access to the occupied territories.

Interventi su richiesta

  Sari Essayah (PPE). - Arvoisa puhemies, Georgian vaalit olivat tosiaankin rohkaiseva esimerkki koko Kaukasian alueelle, ja tästä on annettava ihan erityinen tunnustus Saakašvilin hallinnolle.

Niin kuin monet ovat todenneet, niin varmasti vielä vaalirahoituslainsäädännön toimeenpanossa on parantamisen varaa. EU on kiinnittänyt myös huomiota oikeuslaitokseen liittyviin ongelmiin, mutta viime vuosina Georgiassa on tehty hyvää työtä korruption kitkemisessä ja julkisten palveluiden parantamisessa. Kansalaisten äänestysaktiivisuus ja kansalaisyhteiskunnan näkyvä toiminta ovat myös olleet hyvin rohkaisevia merkkejä demokraattisten arvojen juurtumisesta maassa.

Olisinkin halunnut kysyä komissaarilta, että kun kesällä 2012 aloitettiin EU:n ja Georgian välillä viisumivapausdialogi, niin mitä tälle toimintasuunnitelmalle tällä hetkellä kuuluu ja mitkä ovat seuraavat askeleet uudistusten tiellä?

  Marek Henryk Migalski (ECR). - Panie Komisarzu! Gruzini zrobili, co do nich należało. Zrobili dobrą robotę. My oczywiście możemy mieć pewne wątpliwości co do finansowania kampanii wyborczej, co do przebiegu kampanii wyborczej. Nie wszyscy są być może zachwyceni tym wszystkim, ale oni zrobili to, co do nich należało: przeprowadzili demokratyczne wybory. To na obszarze postsowieckim już jest jakieś zwycięstwo, jakiś sukces. I jeżeli mamy do nich pewne uwagi, to przede wszystkim powinniśmy kierować te uwagi do siebie, bo teraz przyszedł czas na nas. To my powinniśmy jako Wspólnota Europejska uprawdopodobnić scenariusz integracji Gruzji ze strukturami zachodnimi. To my powinniśmy wymóc to, do czego zobowiązaliśmy się, to znaczy do wycofania wojsk rosyjskich z terenu Gruzji, bo przecież to my odpowiadamy za to, żeby ten sześciopunktowy plan został wypełniony. Wobec tego Gruzini zrobili, co do nich należało, teraz czas na nas.

Panie Komisarzu! Liczę na bliską współpracę i jestem przekonany, że jeśli tylko będziemy tego chcieli, to zrozumiemy, że teraz jest nasz obowiązek moralny i polityczny. Zachęcam Pana do ciężkiej pracy, wiem, że Pan potrafi ciężko pracować.

  Charles Tannock (ECR). - Madam President, I too fully applaud the Georgian people for the dignified and peaceful way in which they conducted their elections, and congratulate the Georgian Government on its speedy implementation of the people’s democratic will. Georgia is an unrecognisable place from the dictatorship which oppressed its people until just nine years ago. It has now demonstrated that it is a mature democracy. While we note the fact that the Georgian state still has some work to do on other fronts, the preliminary cohabitation signals from President Saakashvili and Prime Minister Ivanishvili are extremely encouraging, with a very smooth handover of democratic powers.

I welcome improved Georgia-Russia relations, but of course Tbilisi should not compromise over its territorial integrity or European westward leanings. The new Prime Minister must of course fully respect minority rights within Georgia, in particular its large Armenian minority.

(Fine degli interventi su richiesta)

PRESIDE: ALEJO VIDAL-QUADRAS
Vicepresidente

  Štefan Füle, Member of the Commission. − Mr President, when I was in Batumi in July this year, I said that Georgia would not be the same after the forthcoming parliamentary elections – those elections would change Georgia. I said we would either have, for the first time in Georgian history, a transfer of power through democratic means, or we would have a strong and constructive opposition. I did not know at that time that we might end up with both of those at the same time – a change of power and a strong opposition. I take it as a major sign of democracy.

I would like to thank all those Members who have contributed to this useful and interesting discussion. I want to reassure you of my personal commitment to following through on our promises to Georgia, including the one which you have stressed a number of times – the one related to the territorial integrity of Georgia. Maintaining the pace of our political association with Georgia is vital to the credibility of the Eastern Partnership and to the prospects for stability and peaceful development in the Southern Caucasus.

I would also like to underline the valuable role of this House in supporting Georgia’s democratic development so far. I am confident that you will continue in this work, helping Georgia to build stronger democratic institutions, to implement all the lessons learned from the October elections, and to encourage an effective parliamentary dialogue between government and opposition, in the service of long-term policy continuity, accountability and transparency.

If I may, I would add the two following remarks. Mr Danjean raised an important point, and I wanted to make it absolutely clear that I did not miss the opportunity to make a strong call on the EU authorities to resist the temptation for political retribution. I have to say that I found in Prime Minister Ivanishvili a committed partner, interested in strengthening democracy and continuing to make the best use of the deepening of political association and economic integration.

What I think was the most impressive element of my recent trip last week to Georgia was my individual conversation with Prime Minister Ivanishvili and President Saakashvili, both of them having a positive assessment of the transfer of power so far. I called on them to build on that positive experience and to create a strong basis for being able to address the many challenges this cohabitation will bring – and, make no mistake, there will be many.

If I may also continue a thought Mr Tarand expressed – let me use the Georgia case but I think it is actually an issue which covers more countries – when we face the election in our partner countries, the time before the elections and after the elections is sometimes also an opportunity for the political families in this House to shadow, to a certain extent, the competition of the main political parties in those elections. I believe that this is a normal political reaction of this noble House.

I would also like to make the following plea. The stronger the bipartisan support for strengthening democracy that comes from this House, the more opportunity the High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission and all of us will have to actually deliver our assistance to strengthen democracy in those countries.

  El Presidente. − Para cerrar el debate se han presentado seis propuestas de resolución⁽¹⁾de conformidad con artículo 110, apartado 2, del Reglamento.

Se cierra el debate.

La votación tendrá lugar hoy a las 11.30 horas.

Declaraciones por escrito (artículo 149 del Reglamento)

  Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz (PPE), írásban. – Grúziában a szavazók az ország társadalmi-gazdasági helyzetéről, a demokrácia és emberi jogok állapotáról, valamint a jelenlegi grúz vezetés dél-kaukázusi biztonságpolitikájáról mondtak véleményt. Jómagam úgy vélem, hogy a külpolitikai kilátások most igen kedvezőek. Üdvözlöm, hogy Ivanisvili folytatni, sőt mélyíteni kívánja majd az eddig elért reformokat, különös tekintettel arra, hogy a grúz közvélemény erőteljesen pártolja e folyamatot. Üdvözlöm továbbá, hogy a politikus mindemellett Grúzia NATO-csatlakozását és szorosabb EU-integrációját is meg szeretné valósítani. Remélem, hogy a választási eredmények mindent egybe vetve lehetővé teszik, hogy Grúzia hozzálásson kapcsolatainak normalizálásához, a konstruktív és tiszteletteljes viszony kiépítéséhez szomszédjaival.

(1) Véase el Acta.