" Interpressnews " reports that the presidents of the foreign commissions of the parliaments of European countries, deputies, and parliamentarians issued a joint statement on Georgia. In the statement, the signatories express regret "regarding Georgia's recent retreat from democracy."
The document refers to the parliamentary elections held in Georgia on October 26; there is concern that the elections took place "under conditions of an unprecedented number of incidents and systematic violations." The need for an independent international investigation is emphasized.
"The allegations at our disposal are so severe that only an international independent investigation can investigate all reported violations.
The statement said that legislation that undermines the fundamental freedoms of citizens and organizations and contradicts the principles on which the European Union is based must be withdrawn.
The signatories call on the European Union to impose sanctions against Georgian officials, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, "who are responsible for violations of the electoral process."
