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BERLIN (CHATNEWSTV) — The foreign ministers of France, Germany, and Poland issued a joint statement on Tuesday expressing grave concerns over Georgia’s political crisis following the October 26 parliamentary elections and the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision to freeze the country’s EU accession process.
“The political course of Georgia’s ruling party marks a troubling departure from the European path,” the ministers declared, adding that they had repeatedly urged Georgian authorities to recommit to EU integration by upholding European norms and implementing reforms.
The statement strongly condemned recent violence against peaceful protesters, media personnel, and opposition leaders. “We call on Georgian authorities to respect human rights, protect fundamental freedoms, and ensure the safety of assembly and media,” the ministers said.
The crisis has strained Georgia’s ties with the European Union and its member states. In response to what they described as “repression and democratic backsliding,” the ministers announced the implementation of an EU decision to end visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders. They also hinted at “additional measures” at the EU and national levels.
The ministers cited the OSCE/ODIHR final report on the elections, which highlighted widespread irregularities and questioned the integrity of the electoral process. “Elections were not conducted according to the standards expected from an EU candidate,” the statement read.
In a direct appeal, the ministers called for national dialogue involving all stakeholders to restore public trust in Georgia’s democracy. They noted that demands for new elections from parts of Georgian society “deserve to be addressed earnestly by authorities, in dialogue with all political forces and civil society representatives.”
“We remain steadfast in supporting the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people,” the ministers affirmed, signaling their commitment to Georgia’s path toward European integration despite current challenges.
