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Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn
(UM del - bilag UM 11)
EU
(Offentligt)
Brussels, 14 November 2003
14821/03 (Presse 329)
P 133/03
Statement by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union
on the parliamentary elections in Georgia
The European Union is closely following the political situation in Georgia and attaches the
utmost importance to the stability of this country. The European Union therefore
expresses its deep concern about developments following the parliamentary elections in
Georgia held on 2 November.
On the basis of the preliminary findings and conclusions of the International Election
Observation Mission, the European Union regrets that the election process has fallen
short of a number of OSCE commitments and other international standards. Reported
irregularities and delays in the voting process on polling day and in the subsequent
counting and tabulation process seem to reflect a lack of political will and administrative
capacity for the conduct of free and transparent elections. It is evident that in some
regions serious irregularities, including ballot-stuffing, occurred and implausible turn-out
data raises deep concerns about respect for voters and candidates rights. The European
Union regrets these developments which weaken the trust of the Georgian people in the
authorities and are in contrast to the evolution towards a democratic civil society.
The European Union calls on all parties in Georgia to show restraint in the present
situation refrain from violence and intensify the search for a democratic solution.
The European Union encourages Georgia to pursue its path towards political stability and
economic development and expresses its willingness to cooperate with the Georgian
authorities, together with the OSCE, to help Georgia lay the basis for a better electoral
framework in good time for the presidential elections in 2005. The
European Union urges the authorities to avoid in the future problems similar to those
faced during the recent elections.
The European Union Special Representative will visit Georgia shortly.
The Acceding Countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania,
Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia align themselves with this statement.
________________________
Internet: http://ue.eu.int/
E-mail: [email protected]
14821/03 (Presse 329) 1
EN