The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, paid an official visit to Georgia, accompanied by the heads of the Directorates General for Human Rights and the Rule of Law, as well as for Democracy and Human Dignity.
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Alain Berset welcomes the release of opposition leaders Nika Gvaramia and Aleksandre Lisashvili. During his visit, the Secretary General will meet with them, as well as with other representatives from the opposition and civil society.
The administration of the illegitimate government of Georgia also released information about the visit. According to the administration, "During the visit, Alain Berset will hold meetings with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, the President-elect, Mikheil Kavelashvili, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maka Bochorishvili."
According to the Council of Europe, the visit is taking place amid political and social tension, marked by extreme polarization of political discourse and the violence that has occurred in recent weeks.
“The aim of the visit is to ensure the conditions for continued cooperation between the Council of Europe and Georgia, in full compliance with the Organisation's values and principles.
As a member state of the Council of Europe since 1999, Georgia is bound to respect its fundamental commitments: democracy, the protection of human rights and the rule of law.
These principles, enshrined in the Statute of the Council of Europe and underpinning the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), are essential to stability and peace in Europe. The Secretary General had the opportunity to reiterate this message with all due clarity during recent telephone exchanges with the Georgian President and Prime Minister.
In the current tense and worrying context, the Council of Europe calls on all parties to avoid any escalation of tensions. It urges the authorities to refrain from the disproportionate use of force and to respect fundamental freedoms, in particular freedom of expression and assembly. These principles are essential to guarantee the country's stability and to meet the expectations of the Georgian people,” the Council of Europe statement reads.
The Council of Europe also noted that the 2024-2027 Action Plan for Georgia aims to strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, and ensure the independence of the judiciary. The Council of Europe stands ready to adjust this support to the realities on the ground, while actively engaging with civil society.
Alain Berset's visit to Georgia will conclude on December 21.
