The White House published US President Joe Biden's statement regarding the "democratic regression" in Georgia and the parliamentary elections held in the country.
"I am deeply concerned about the recent democratic backsliding in the country, including the passage of similar Russian laws that restrict basic freedoms and reduce space for independent civil society bodies," Biden said.
The US president notes that "the October 26 parliamentary elections in Georgia were overshadowed by numerous abuses of administrative resources, as well as by intimidation and coercion of voters."
"Citizens of Georgia have the right to peacefully express their opinion regarding the conduct of these elections, which international and domestic independent observers did not recognize as free and fair. We call on the Georgian government to conduct a transparent investigation into all election violations, repeal laws such as the so-called "external influence law" that limit freedoms of assembly and expression, and immediately begin an inclusive dialogue with all political forces in Georgia on the restoration of the integrity of the elections," said Biden.
The American leader calls on all parties to "strictly respect the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, which continue to be the basis for Georgia's Euro-Atlantic future."
