US and EU call on opposition and Georgian authorities for dialogue
The U.S. Embassy and the European Union mission in Georgia urge the parties to start a dialogue to find a way out of the situation that has developed after the failure of the constitutional reform of the electoral system. This is stated in a joint statement issued on Sunday by the diplomatic missions.
The statement notes that in the summer, the US and the EU perceived the initiative to accelerate the transition to fully proportional parliamentary elections "as an important step of Georgian democracy, which, moreover, was followed by a political consensus and a commitment of all parties to work in this direction."
"The unexpected termination of this process last Thursday increased mistrust and increased tensions between the ruling party and other political forces, as well as civil society. Given the current situation, we believe that it is necessary to immediately begin work to restore trust on the basis of a calm and respectful dialogue between the government, all political parties and civil society in order to find a path that will be acceptable to all, " the statement said.
The us Embassy and the EU mission in Georgia also responded to a large-scale opposition rally, during which it was announced the beginning of a "full picketing of Parliament".
"We fully support the right to peaceful Assembly and freedom of expression. We call on all parties that exercise this right to act within the law and the Constitution. We call on all parties to act in the interests of the country, " the statement said.
On November 14, the Georgian Parliament failed to vote on constitutional changes that imply holding parliamentary elections in 2020 under a proportional system with a zero electoral barrier. To continue consideration of the initiative 113 votes of 150 deputies were necessary. During the vote, only 101 deputies supported the changes. Three deputies of the ruling Georgian dream party voted against, another 39 abstained.
It is important that the constitutional amendment "Georgian dream" and personally its leader Bidzina Ivanishvili promised on June 24, yielding to the demands of the opposition and numerous protests.
After the ruling party did not fulfill its promise, a permanent protest began in front of the Parliament building in the center of Tbilisi. Following the consultations, the opposition and civil society activists made three demands to the authorities: the formation of a provisional, technical government; the appointment of early parliamentary elections under the proportional system; and the reorganization of the Central election Commission.
On large-scale General meeting of opposition on November 17 it was declared the beginning of picketing of Parliament, all three entrances to the building of legislative body blocked. The protesters say they will not allow deputies to get inside until their demands are met.
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US and EU call on opposition and Georgian authorities for dialogue
The U.S. Embassy and the European Union mission in Georgia urge the parties to start a dialogue to find a way out of the situation that has developed after the failure of the constitutional reform of the electoral system. This is stated in a joint statement issued on Sunday by the diplomatic missions.
The statement notes that in the summer, the US and the EU perceived the initiative to accelerate the transition to fully proportional parliamentary elections "as an important step of Georgian democracy, which, moreover, was followed by a political consensus and a commitment of all parties to work in this direction."
"The unexpected termination of this process last Thursday increased mistrust and increased tensions between the ruling party and other political forces, as well as civil society. Given the current situation, we believe that it is necessary to immediately begin work to restore trust on the basis of a calm and respectful dialogue between the government, all political parties and civil society in order to find a path that will be acceptable to all, " the statement said.
The us Embassy and the EU mission in Georgia also responded to a large-scale opposition rally, during which it was announced the beginning of a "full picketing of Parliament".
"We fully support the right to peaceful Assembly and freedom of expression. We call on all parties that exercise this right to act within the law and the Constitution. We call on all parties to act in the interests of the country, " the statement said.
On November 14, the Georgian Parliament failed to vote on constitutional changes that imply holding parliamentary elections in 2020 under a proportional system with a zero electoral barrier. To continue consideration of the initiative 113 votes of 150 deputies were necessary. During the vote, only 101 deputies supported the changes. Three deputies of the ruling Georgian dream party voted against, another 39 abstained.
It is important that the constitutional amendment "Georgian dream" and personally its leader Bidzina Ivanishvili promised on June 24, yielding to the demands of the opposition and numerous protests.
After the ruling party did not fulfill its promise, a permanent protest began in front of the Parliament building in the center of Tbilisi. Following the consultations, the opposition and civil society activists made three demands to the authorities: the formation of a provisional, technical government; the appointment of early parliamentary elections under the proportional system; and the reorganization of the Central election Commission.
On large-scale General meeting of opposition on November 17 it was declared the beginning of picketing of Parliament, all three entrances to the building of legislative body blocked. The protesters say they will not allow deputies to get inside until their demands are met.
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