The "Weimar Troika" called on the Georgian authorities to dialogue with the opposition and announced the cancellation of visa-free travel for the country's diplomats
Germany, Poland and France once again condemned the actions of the Georgian authorities and called on them to dialogue with the opposition and civil society. In addition, the countries will implement the decision of the European Union to cancel the visa-free regime for Georgian diplomats. The corresponding joint statement of the three foreign ministers was published on December 31.
The countries of the "Weimar Triangle" expressed serious concern about the political crisis that began in Georgia after the October 26 parliamentary elections and intensified after the government's decision to freeze the country's European integration process.
"The cause of the crisis is the political course of the ruling party of Georgia and its departure from the European path. We have repeatedly called on the Georgian authorities to change their course and return to EU integration, observing European norms and values and carrying out the necessary reforms," the document says.
The ministers referred to the final report of OSCE observers on the parliamentary elections in Georgia, which confirms their "concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, pointing to widespread violations and inadequate investigations in response to allegations." The statement emphasizes that "the elections were not held in accordance with the standards expected of a candidate in the EU."
"The call for the implementation of OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and standards, including the possibility of holding new elections, coming from part of Georgian society, deserves that the authorities start a sincere dialogue with all political forces and representatives of civil society," the statement says.
Diplomats also condemned the acts of violence recorded in recent weeks against participants in protests in Georgia, media representatives and opposition leaders.
The authors of the statement warned that they will implement the EU decision to cancel the visa-free regime for holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports and will consider "additional measures at the EU and national level."
