STATEMENT
OF THE SAEIMA OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA
On support for the European integration efforts and values of the people of Georgia
The Saeima of the Republic of Latvia,
on the basis of the preliminary findings of the Election Observation Mission of the
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe regarding the Georgian parliamentary
elections of 26 October 2024;
with reference to the report by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
of 28 November 2024 “Observation of the parliamentary elections in Georgia”;
having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 28 November 2024 on
Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and
alleged electoral fraud;
with reference to the European Union candidate country status granted to Georgia in
December 2023 and the European Commission progress report on Georgia published on
30 October 2024;
having regard to the controversial statement made by Irakli Kobakhidze on
28 November 2024 concerning the removal of negotiations for accession to the European
Union from the government agenda until the end of 2028, regardless of the aspiration of the
majority of the population towards a future in the European Union;
expressing concern about the developments in Georgia in recent days and the use of
force by the law enforcement authorities against peaceful protesters,
defends the right of civil society to free and democratic expression and emphasises
that freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of speech, and freedom of association are
fundamental rights that form the cornerstone of a democratic society;
condemns the unwillingness of the government of Georgia to ensure a transparent
and just investigation into electoral irregularities;
condemns the use of force against citizens, which is endorsed by the government and
erodes the people’s trust in public institutions;
calls for an end to violence against peaceful protesters, release of the detained
demonstrators, holding the responsible officials accountable, and a peaceful settlement of
any differences;
supports the sanctioning of Georgian officials and politicians responsible for the
violence committed against the protesters;
calls for a united and firm response of the European Union and its member states by
limiting high-level dialogue with Georgia and considering further steps for reviewing the
relations with the country;
advocates for the need to reinforce support for the people of Georgia, in particular,
civil society representatives, independent media, and the youth, as the clear majority of the
population wish for the integration of their country into the European Union;
supports the Georgian people’s choice in favour of Euro-Atlantic integration, and
affirms that the path to the European Union remains open for Georgia. Georgia’s return on
the course towards integration into the European Union is conditional on the actions of the
government of Georgia and commitment to European Union values.