PACE draft resolution reinforces Georgia's decision to suspend participation, MP Samkharadze

Chairman of the Georgian Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee Nikoloz Samkharadze has said that the latest draft resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe confirms the reasons why Georgia suspended its participation in the assembly.

Commenting on the draft ahead of a scheduled debate and vote on Georgia, Samkharadze argued that the document largely repeats positions expressed in PACE's January 2025 resolution and fails to reflect developments that have taken place in the country over the past year.

“The draft resolution states that the Parliamentary Assembly confirms its January 2025 resolution, and that resolution is precisely the reason why we suspended our activities in the assembly,” Samkharadze said.

He added the initial version of the resolution differs little from previous texts and does not take into account changes that have occurred in Georgia over the last 12 months.

“This clearly shows that the authors of the resolution, as well as those who will support it, have no real desire to cooperate or engage in dialogue with the Georgian authorities,” he said.

Samkharadze also criticized a recent visit by PACE representatives to Georgia, claiming it produced no meaningful results and served primarily as a procedural step for inclusion in the rapporteurs' report.

The ruling party politician further argued that the draft resolution undermines calls from European parliamentarians for Georgia's delegation to return to the assembly.

“Eighteen months have passed since the January 2025 resolution, yet the assembly is once again reaffirming the same provisions. Under these circumstances, there is no justification for demanding that Georgia return to PACE,” he said.

Samkharadze stated that Georgia would make future decisions regarding participation in the assembly based on national interests and reiterated that the country's delegation would not return until its credentials are recognized “fully and unconditionally.”

PACE is scheduled to hold a debate on Georgia and vote on a report concerning the country on June 24. The draft resolution raises concerns about democratic backsliding, pressure on civil society organizations, political opposition groups, and dissenting voices in Georgia.