“The arrest of the leader of the main opposition party is a matter of deep concern”

NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the South Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai is responding to the arrest of Nika Melia, the leader of the United National Movement.

"We are closely monitoring the developments in Georgia. The arrest of the leader of the main opposition party is a matter of deep concern. NATO expects that Georgia, as a close partner and aspirant country, will maintain the Euro-Atlantic democratic standards, which it has worked hard to meet and maintain.

"These issues include resolving these political differences through dialogue and avoiding polarized rhetoric and actions," – said James Appathurai.