PACE concerned about “extreme political polarisation” in Georgia

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on Thursday adopted a resolution based on the report of Piero Fassino on the progress of the monitoring procedure, expressing concern about the “extreme political polarisation” in Georgia. 

The resolution has called on the countries under the monitoring procedure, including Georgia, to “fully fulfill” the obligations assumed upon joining the CoE. 

The Assembly welcomed the progress made by Georgia in honouring its obligations and commitments and encouraged all political forces to address the remaining recommendations and concerns expressed in this resolution. 

“In that respect it remains concerned about the extreme political polarisation in the country which affects the reforms and stakeholder participation in the reforms needed for further democratic consolidation and Euro-Atlantic integration of the country”, said PACE. 

The Assembly urged the authorities to implement a “thorough, independent” evaluation of its reforms of the judiciary with a view to guiding future reforms to ensure a genuine independent judiciary in the country. 

It also urged the authorities to take “all possible steps” to reduce the tensions in the media environment and reiterated its full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and  condemned the illegal occupation and creeping annexation by the Russia of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali.