**Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly Delays Ratification of Georgian Delegation**
The Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) has delayed the ratification of Georgia‘s full credentials until certain conditions are met. These conditions include announcing new elections and releasing all political prisoners.
**Opposition Welcomes Decision**
The opposition in Georgia welcomed this decision. Tina Bokuchava, Chair of the Unity-UNM coalition, said that the ratification of credentials is only a tool to achieve the goal of overcoming the political crisis through new elections and the release of political prisoners.
**Civil Society Representatives Agree**
Civil society representatives also agreed with this decision. Nino Dolidze, director of ISFED, an election monitor, said that these conditions are in line with what Georgian society demands: new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners by April.
**Conditions for Georgia**
The conditions for Georgia include:
* Announcing new elections
* Releasing all political prisoners
* Addressing deficiencies and shortcomings noted during recent parliamentary elections
* Creating an electoral environment conducive to genuinely democratic new parliamentary elections
* Resuming the EU integration process
* Ending police brutality and human rights abuses
* Investigating cases of human rights abuses
**Rights Suspended**
The Georgian delegation’s rights in PACE have been suspended, including being full members of several committees, being appointed as rapporteurs, and representing the Assembly in international organizations.
**Next Steps**
PACE will reconsider Georgia’s credentials and rights at its next session in April, based on progress made in meeting these conditions.