NordenBladet —
According to Mihkelson, the purpose of the visit, which was initiated by President Zurabishvili, is to show support for the pro-European people and political forces in Georgia in a situation where Georgia’s democracy has backslided, the parliamentary elections at the end of October were overshadowed by numerous irregularities, and the opposition, the independent media and the civil society are threatened by various restrictions.
“During the visit, we will underline that the violations committed before and during the elections must be investigated with full seriousness,” Mihkelson said. In a Joint Statement made together with his European counterparts last week, he demanded the establishment of an independent international inquiry commission to investigate such violations. He believes that the countries of Europe must continue supporting the part of Georgian society that stands for the country’s democratic and pro-European future.
Chairmen of parliamentary committees from eight EU countries participate in the visit. On Monday, they will meet with the President of Georgia, and hold a press conference together with her. They will also meet with the leaders of the opposition parties as well as with the representatives of non-governmental organisations and independent media. Mihkelson expressed regret that the government politicians had not agreed to meet with the delegation of the chairs of parliamentary committees of the EU.
Together with Mihkelson, chairs of committees from the parliaments of Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden participate in the visit.
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: Mihkelson participates in the visit of European parliamentarians to Georgia
Source: Parliament of Estonia