Lithuania Condemns Violence in Georgia, Calls for New Elections
Lithuania’s parliament has issued a strong condemnation of the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia, declaring them neither free nor fair and calling for fresh elections.
Free and Fair Elections Under Threat
In a resounding resolution, Lithuanian lawmakers sided with the European Parliament’s call for new elections in Georgia. The resolution, backed by 109 members of the Lithuanian Seimas, with only one dissenting vote, specifically criticizes the conduct of the Georgian elections, stating they did not meet international democratic standards.
A Call for Accountability
Condemnation is not limited to the elections themselves. The Lithuanian Seimas fiercely condemns the Georgian government’s use of force against peaceful protesters. Demonstrations erupted across Tbilisi and other parts of the country in response to the election results, and the Lithuanian parliament expressed deep concern over the reported intimidation and illegal detention of civil society activists and journalists.
Sanctions and Review of Visa-Free Regime
The resolution calls for concrete action. The
Lithuanian Parliament urges the European Union and its member states to impose targeted sanctions against Georgian officials and political leaders deemed directly or indirectly responsible for the violence against civilians.
Furthermore, it emphasizes that the respect for fundamental rights is essential for any liberalization of the European Union’s visa regime. Consequently, the Lithuanian Seimas calls for a comprehensive review of Georgia’s visa-free status within the EU.
Political Reform and Protection of Rights
The resolution specifically targets Georgia’s controversial “foreign agents” legislation, calling for its immediate repeal. It also stresses the fundamental right of Georgian citizens to peacefully assemble, urging the authorities to refrain from any unjustified use of force against them.
Delayed Vote Sparks Debate
While the resolution was ultimately passed, its initial consideration was postponed at the request of Giedrim Jeglinski, the chairman of the Lithuanian Parliament’s National Security and Defense Committee.
Jeglinski argued that the text needed more time for thorough analysis and consideration.
“analyze all the details”.
What actions did Lithuania take regarding the Georgian elections?
## Breaking News: Lithuania Takes a Stand Against Election Irregularities in Georgia
**Good evening, and welcome back to the program. Joining me tonight is Dr. Anya Petrova, an expert on Eastern European politics. Dr. Petrova, Lithuania’s parliament has just made a strong statement regarding the recent elections in Georgia. Could you elaborate on this?**
**Dr. Petrova:** Absolutely. Lithuania’s Seimas, their parliament, has issued a formal condemnation of the Georgian elections, declaring them neither free nor fair. They are echoing the concerns raised by the European Parliament, which has also called for new elections in Georgia.
**That’s a significant move. What specifically are the concerns?**
**Dr. Petrova:** The Lithuanian resolution highlights that the Georgian elections did not adhere to international democratic standards. There are accusations of widespread irregularities, voter intimidation, and a lack of transparency throughout the process.
**And this condemnation goes beyond just the election process, doesn’t it?**
**Dr. Petrova:** Yes, it does. Lithuania has also expressed deep concern over the Georgian government’s response to the protests which followed the election results. There are reports of peaceful demonstrators being subjected to violence and arbitrary detention. The Lithuanian parliament strongly condemns these actions.
**What are the implications of Lithuania’s stance, being a member of the European Union?**
**Dr. Petrova:** It sends a strong message of solidarity with those seeking a democratic future for Georgia. Lithuania, like many EU member states, is concerned about the erosion of democratic norms in some parts of the region. This condemnation puts pressure on the Georgian government to address these concerns and hold free and fair elections. It also highlights the importance of upholding democratic values within the aspiring EU candidate countries.
**Dr. Petrova, thank you for shedding light on this important issue. We will be following developments in Georgia closely. **
