**Lithuanian Parliament Condemns Georgian Government Violence**
The Lithuanian parliament, or Seimas, has strongly condemned the violence used by the Georgian government against peaceful protesters. The parliament also called for EU sanctions against the ruling party and new elections in Georgia.
In a resolution published by the Seimas, it expresses support for the Georgian people’s desire to join the European Union. The Lithuanian parliament is urging the EU to impose personal sanctions on officials responsible for the violence and limit official contacts with the Georgian government.
**Concerns Over Election Irregularities**
The Seimas also highlighted concerns over the October 26 parliamentary elections in Georgia, which were marred by irregularities. The resolution states that the elections did not meet international democratic standards and should not be considered free or fair.
**Calls for New Elections**
In line with a call from the European Parliament, the Seimas expressed its support for holding new parliamentary elections in Georgia. This comes after the election results were rejected by President Salome Zurabishvili and all opposition forces that cleared the 5% electoral threshold.
**Escalating Situation**
The situation escalated on November 28 when protests broke out across Georgia after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of Georgia’s EU integration process. Riot police responded with excessive force, dispersing peaceful demonstrators, making illegal arrests, and subjecting them to physical and verbal abuse.
**International Partners Impose Sanctions**
In response to these actions, several international partners have already imposed national sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the de-facto leader of Georgia, and officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs responsible for the violence.
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