To defend the right to free, democratic expression of civil society, on Thursday, 5 December, the Saeima adopted a statement on support for the European integration efforts and values of the people of Georgia. Members of the Latvian Parliament highlight freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of speech, and freedom of association as fundamental rights that form the cornerstone of a democratic society.
“It is utterly unacceptable that the government of a democratic state would target civil society in any way, and even less so in resorting to disproportionately powerful force. The Georgian government’s violence against their people must cease immediately. Opinions must be defended with words, and any differences must be settled with negotiations instead of batons or water cannons. The international community must react strongly against all those responsible for the use of force against the demonstrators showing support for the Euro‑Atlantic course of their country. I call on the Georgian government to respect the choice of the people in favour of free, democratic development of their country towards Europe, and to act accordingly, because that is exactly what democracy entails, whether the government likes it or not,” stated Ināra Mūrniece, Chair of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee, which was responsible for the draft resolution.
In the statement, the Saeima condemns the unwillingness of the Georgian government to ensure transparent and just investigation into electoral irregularities. The statement reproves the use of force against citizens, which is endorsed by the Georgian government and erodes people’s trust in public institutions.
MPs call for an end to violence against peaceful protesters, release of the detained demonstrators, holding the responsible officials accountable, and a peaceful settlement of any differences.
In addition, the Saeima supports the sanctioning of Georgian officials and politicians responsible for the violence against the protesters, calling for a united and firm response of the European Union and its member states by limiting high-level dialogue and considering further steps to review their relations with Georgia.
Members of the Saeima support the Georgian people’s decision to pursue Euro-Atlantic integration and affirm that the path to EU membership remains open for Georgia. MPs also advocate for the need to reinforce support for the Georgian population, in particular, civil society representatives, independent media, and the youth, considering that the clear majority wish for their country’s integration in the EU.
According to the statement, Georgia’s return on the course towards EU integration is conditional on the actions of the country’s government and commitment to EU values.
Saeima Press Service