Georgia: EU concern at criminal charges against former President Saakashvili
31-07-2014
"Призываем грузинских политиков, все стороны освободиться от конфликтов в прошлом и обратить главное внимание на будущее Грузии, перед которой стоят большие вызовы, справиться с ними сможет власть, смотрящая вперед, готовая разрушить рамки поляризированной политики"
The EU has expressed concern at the criminal charges filed against former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, saying it would closely monitor legal proceedings against members of the former government and current opposition in Georgia.
"We take note with concern that the Georgian Public Prosecutor has filed criminal charges against former President Saakashvili," said a statement issued by the spokespersons of the EU External Action Service.
"While none is above the law, prosecutions in Georgia should be transparent, proportionate, free of political motivation, and adhering strictly to due process. The EU will closely monitor these and other legal proceedings against members of the former government and current opposition in Georgia."
The statement recalled that, "the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, ratified only two weeks ago by the Georgian Parliament, commits Georgia to adhere to common values including respect for the principles of the rule of law and good governance".
The EU urged all sides to move beyond past conflicts and to focus on the country's future. "Georgia faces great challenges and these require forward-looking leadership ready to break the mould of polarised politics." (ENPI Info Centre)