The President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Gerald E. Connolly (United States) issued a statement following the signing of the April 19 Agreement by Georgian political parties to bring an end to Georgia’s political crisis.
“The agreement marks a key step out of the political impasse, paving the way for critical reforms. It is a positive step forward and an important milestone to restoring Georgia’s role in the family of democracies.
I commend all signatories from majority and opposition parties for their commitment to chart a united course for Georgia, as it pursues its Euro-Atlantic future. Political compromise, while rarely easy, is the key feature that sets democracies apart.
However, important work remains ahead to enforce the agreement fully and scrupulously. Georgia’s friends and allies abroad are looking to Georgia as it works to bolster democratic institutions and address polarisation in a constructive spirit and good faith.
We call on all the remaining members of parliament and parties to sign on to this important agreement and to commit to working together in a fully functional Georgian Parliament in a spirit of compromise. I also reiterate my call on the ruling majority to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the rights of the opposition. The people of Georgia deserve a stable government unified around a commitment to democratic principles.
The NATO PA remains committed to helping Georgia ensure that the Agreement fulfills its aspirations. We continue supporting Georgia in its democratic consolidation as it charts its path for Euro-Atlantic integration.”
The NATO PA leadership met with members of the Georgian delegation earlier this month in the framework of the Georgia-NATO Interparliamentary Council for a discussion focused on ways out of the political crisis.
