The resolution, supported by 101 members with 10 against, expresses deep concern over democratic backsliding and weakening human rights in the country. It highlights growing societal polarization and the adoption of legislation that contradicts Council of Europe standards.“Over the past two years has had an increasingly negative impact on local democracy in Georgia. This has intensified in the aftermath of the 2024 parliamentary elections, which were rejected by all opposition parties, as well as domestic and some international election observers, notably due to concerns over their integrity, and following the decision to halt Georgian EU accession on 28 November 2024,” the resolution reads.It also notes that “following the highly controversial adoption of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence and the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) adopted in first reading, NGOs and dissenting voices in the media, which work under increasingly challenging conditions, have been increasingly subjected to intimidation and stigmatisation. This undermines their freedom of association and freedom of expression. In a democratic society, freedom of expression must be protected, supported and promoted irrespective of whether it is critical of the government, and even if it is influenced by international discourse.The brutal repression of peaceful protesters and opponents by law-enforcement authorities in many cities, and particularly in the capital city of Tbilisi, has violated both the freedoms of expression and assembly. Moreover, freedom of assembly in Georgia has been negatively affected by recent amendments to legislation that increase sanctions and offences related to public demonstrations, which according to the Venice Commission introduced “vague and broadly framed provisions, granting the authorities [including local authorities] excessively broad discretion in their application”. This situation has forced local authorities to take decisions that do not comply with democratic standards.The instrumentalisation of public institutions, including at local level, has resulted in numerous reports of dismissals, intimidation and pressure on civil servants. This has been facilitated by the adoption of amendments to the Law on Public Service.”It also addresses concerns expressed in recent reports by international and local observers “regarding the politicisation of public administration, widespread misuse of administrative resources and pressure on voters during electoral campaigns, which unduly tilt the playing field between candidates and distort the will of voters.”“The legal framework applicable to local elections in Georgia has been amended more than 20 times since the last elections, without extensive consultations and broad consensus. This is not in line with the principle of stability of electoral law. The amendments have moreover reinforced the dominant position of the ruling party in the Central Election Commission, undermining its independence, and have also wound back fundamental rules pertaining to the electoral system, gender quotas and the establishment of electoral districts.It notes with concern that these serious shortcomings and challenges affecting the respect of democracy, rule of law and human rights have led to a collapse in public confidence in democratic institutions for large parts of the Georgian population, and notably the young people, and damaged local democracy, which is not conducive to holding the 2025 local elections in a trust-based environment; in fact, it risks exacerbating the situation,” the document reads.

1743023820

According to the Georgian Parliament, during the visit, Nikoloz Samkharadze and the delegation met with several Serbian officials, including the Vice-Speaker of the Serbian Parliament, Chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marina Ragush, and members of her committee, as well as Vice-Speaker Elvira Kovac, who chairs the European Integration Committee.The meetings focused on the friendly relations between Georgia and Serbia and explored various areas of cooperation. Both sides emphasized the importance of advancing diplomatic relations, particularly, to establish full-fledged embassies in both countries soon.Discussions also covered issues related to EU accession, the necessary reforms to achieve this goal, and the exchange of experiences. The parties welcomed the entry of the Serbian airline into the Georgian aviation market, which is set to commence regular flights on the Belgrade-Tbilisi route starting June 15.“Georgia and Serbia share numerous commonalities. First and foremost, we are both candidate countries for EU membership, and our foreign policy objective is to join the EU. It is important to highlight that both countries face challenges regarding territorial integrity and similar domestic political issues. We enjoy strong political relations and unconditionally support each other’s territorial integrity, which should foster closer ties. We hope that in the coming months, a Serbian embassy will be established in Tbilisi, while Georgia’s diplomatic mission in Serbia will transition into a full-fledged embassy. There is significant potential for growth in trade and tourism,” stated Nikoloz Samkharadze.The Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee also extended an invitation to his Serbian counterparts for an official return visit to Tbilisi.During the visit, members of the Foreign Relations Committee engaged with representatives of Serbian delegations to the OSCE and the Parliamentary Assemblies of the Council of Europe, discussing cooperation between the two countries within the framework of these Parliamentary Assemblies. Meetings were also held with the Serbian Institute of International Politics and Economics analysts.The delegation includes Mariam Lashkhi, the First Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, and Irakli Mezurnishvili, a committee member.

1742989474

“This is yet another lifeline from the outgoing German government aimed at the fading protests and the disappeared opposition. It appears to be a self-serving move by those forces that seem to be behind the street violence. With insufficient public support to block the streets, they are attempting to reignite the fading protests through such measures. Their main motivation appears to be leaving some form of ‘legacy’ for the new German government rather than seeking to harm bilateral relations.As for our expectations, we do not set any special ones. Our focus is clear: to foster bilateral and multilateral relationships based on shared interests. If there is genuine German interest, we can find common ground. We are committed to enhancing these relations and removing all possible barriers. We hope the new German government shares this motivation. If so, we will have many opportunities for collaboration, although the ultimate outcome will depend on their stance,” Makhashvili concluded.

1742904363

“Mamuka Khazaradze made it clear through his Facebook post that he would not attend the commission meeting today, nor at any point soon,” Tsulukiani stated.“Given his remarks, I propose we vote to submit his case to the Prosecutor’s Office. According to Article 349 of the Criminal Code, failing to comply with the commission’s requirements can result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment for up to one year.”Regarding Badri Japaridze, also a leader of Lelo, Tsulukiani revealed that he might have a more significant role in the Magniti LTD case but did not respond to calls from the commission’s secretariat.“I find it concerning that he chose not to answer, and I can’t assume that these two had coordinated their absences beforehand,” she added.In his Facebook post, Khazaradze referred to the “illegitimate parliament” and dismissed the meeting as a “circus show.”Today’s interim facts-finding commission meeting will address the Magniti LTD case. Businessman Jemal Leonidze has accused TBC Bank, Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaridze, and former Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili of seizing his property.

1742904188

“The law ensures transparency and accountability, reinforcing Georgia’s national sovereignty and stable development.It aims to inform the public about the funding sources of organizations advocating foreign interests.Based on these principles, President Kavelashvili decided to reject the lawsuit,” the Presidential Administration stated.

1742810330

According to the press service of the fifth president, Zurabishvili will hold meetings with the leaders of the Baltic states, representatives of the executive and legislative authorities, and members of analytical circles.As part of the visit, the fifth president is also scheduled to deliver a speech at the plenary session of the Lithuanian Seimas and give interviews to international media.

1742810146

The Center for Media, Information and Social Studies releases information on the occasion of Journalism Day and notes that there has been a trend of interference in the work of journalists, cameramen and photographers, as well as verbal and physical abuse.“While covering the protests ongoing in Tbilisi and other cities of Georgia, there has been a trend of journalists, cameramen and photographers being obstructed in their work, verbally and physically abused, and having their equipment damaged or taken away. Recently, there has also been a trend of fines being imposed on media representatives for blocking the road while covering protests. There have also been cases of journalists being harassed and fired for expressing a critical position.The Center for Media, Information and Social Studies has documented 124 incidents of violations of the rights of media representatives at pro-European protests and/or in cases related to protests since November 28, 2024, during which a total of 147 journalists, photographers and cameramen became targets of repression. Of these, 24 reporters were injured more than once and had their equipment damaged, and/or were physically injured, fined or had cases brought against them. The police issued a financial fine of 5,000 GEL in relation to 17 journalists for blocking the road,” reads the information.

1742553740

According to him, the ongoing changes in the world have reached a logical conclusion: today, a “ring of fire” is forming, extending from Ukraine to the Middle East. In his assessment, the global economy faces unprecedented pressure, and once-close allies are now treating each other as adversaries.“In this difficult environment, we cannot remain passive observers. Diplomacy is our only weapon in the international arena. Therefore, yes, when the former president forced the state to abandon this only weapon by refusing to appoint ambassadors, we must urgently correct this mistake and allow Georgian diplomats to effectively protect Georgia’s interests. We act in Georgia’s national interests. This is the only star by which alignment will lead us to safety. Any other target, any other star could cost our country dearly,” Makhashvili declared.According to him, in the current global chaos, Georgia is not waiting for opportunities but creating them itself.As the committee chairperson noted, each foreign visit by Georgia’s Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and members of the government and parliament creates new opportunities and initiates the implementation of new beneficial ideas or major projects.“But let’s not deceive ourselves – some forces are trying to drag Georgia into chaos. These forces haven’t disappeared anywhere. Moreover, they are now building a comfortable nest on the European continent, so they can continue to lecture us while hiding behind European institutions.Encouraged by this, the opposition is ready to sacrifice everything to seize power, caring for neither Europe, nor America, and most regrettably, nor Georgia’s national interests. None of these are valuable to them. Only their narrow political interests are valuable, and for this, they will curse America if necessary, the European Union too, and throw in Georgia’s future along with it.One day they deify the American ambassador, the next day they bury the entire embassy. They’ve done it, they’re doing it, and they will continue to do it,” Makhashvili stated.According to him, peace is not a gift but a responsibility. In this regard, the government has repeatedly proven to the population that they can rely on the Georgian Dream’s administration and its responsible policies, even in the most difficult times.“While the opposition, together with their internal and external accomplices, drags the country toward the abyss, we will responsibly continue the country’s development and care for the population,” Levan Makhashvili declared.

1742298581

When asked by a journalist if the issue of Georgia would be discussed at the meeting, Kallas confirmed, “On any other business, this will definitely come up. We are very concerned about the detentions, I mean the arrests of the people. We have been putting pressure also on the people who are actually conducting the violence against the peaceful protestors.”The EU Foreign Affairs Ministerial will also address the situation in Ukraine. The ministers will discuss ongoing developments in the Middle East, particularly in the Gaza Strip, as well as the situation in Syria and Iran. Additionally, US-EU relations will be on the agenda.

1742216573

The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through diplomatic channels, conveyed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan on March 13 that Armenia accepts the proposals of Azerbaijan on the two unresolved articles of the draft “Agreement on Peace and Establishment of Interstate Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan”.Armenia’s MFA proposed issuing a joint statement announcing that the text of the Peace Agreement has been agreed upon and is ready for signing.

1741947417