**PACE to Pass Strong Resolution on Georgia**
By Tia Elington
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is set to take a tough stance on Thursday regarding the current situation in Georgia. According to sources close to the matter, the assembly will likely pass a resolution that demands new elections and the release of political prisoners.
This move comes as no surprise given the tense atmosphere between Georgia’s ruling party and the opposition “Dream” delegation. The group has been calling for reforms and greater transparency in the government, but their efforts have been met with resistance from those in power.
**What This Means**
If the resolution is passed, it will be a significant blow to the Georgian government’s reputation on the international stage. PACE’s call for new elections and the release of political prisoners puts pressure on the authorities to take concrete steps towards democratization.
The “Dream” delegation’s inability to return to PACE if they don’t comply with these demands highlights the gravity of the situation. This group, led by Nino Burjanadze, has been a vocal critic of the government’s actions and has faced repression as a result.
**Commentary**
This resolution is not just about Georgia; it’s also about upholding democratic values in Europe. By supporting opposition voices and demanding greater accountability from governments, PACE shows its commitment to protecting human rights and promoting good governance.
In an interview with Interpressnews, Tina Bokuchava emphasized the importance of these developments: “If they don’t comply with the demands of this resolution, the ‘Dream’ delegation won’t be able to return to PACE. This would be a major loss for Georgia’s international reputation.”
**Deeper Analysis**
The situation in Georgia reflects broader trends in Europe where authoritarian tendencies are on the rise. Governments are increasingly using repression and manipulation to maintain power.
PACE’s actions serve as a reminder that there are still institutions in place that value democratic principles and human rights. By standing up to governments that abuse their power, PACE shows its dedication to promoting accountability and reform across the continent.
As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how the Georgian government responds to this pressure from international bodies. Will they take concrete steps towards democratization, or will they continue down a path of repression? Only time will tell.