PACE adopted a resolution on Georgia applauding all the political forces for the handover of power which occurred “peacefully and democratically” following the 2012 parliamentary and 2013 presidential elections, despite tensions and a polarised environment.

On the basis of the conclusions of the monitoring co-rapporteurs, Michael Aastrup Jensen and Boriss Cilevics, PACE noted with satisfaction that the emergence of a strong opposition, combined with a well-organised ruling coalition, “has strengthened the role of the parliament”.

The adopted resolution also welcomes the comprehensive reforms announced by the authorities, including constitutional reform, to further strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and guarantee the independence of the judiciary and an adversarial justice system.

At the same time, the text calls on the authorities to ensure that the investigation and prosecution of former government officials – based on allegations of possible criminal conduct during their tenure – are conducted impartially, in respect of the principles of a fair trial, as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights. The parliamentarians also expressed their concern about the widespread use of pre-trial detention in Georgia and stressed that it should not be used for political purposes.

The country will have to “overcome the antagonism, polarisation and sense of revenge” still present in order to continue its democratic development, concluded the Assembly.