**Council of Europe to Debate Situation in Georgia**
Today, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will hold urgent debates on the situation in Georgia. The organization’s website reports that a resolution will also be put to vote.
The PACE has outlined several key demands for the Georgian authorities. First and foremost, they want an inclusive process to address the shortcomings noted during recent parliamentary elections. This includes creating an electoral environment conducive to genuinely democratic elections. The Georgian government is also urged to take immediate steps to resume European integration and accelerate necessary reforms.
Furthermore, PACE is calling on the authorities to put an end to police brutality and human rights abuses. They want effective investigations into these practices and an end to the misuse of legal proceedings against protesters, journalists, and civic leaders. The right to freedom of expression and assembly must be fully respected.
The resolution also emphasizes the importance of cooperation between Georgia and the Council of Europe. PACE is urging Georgia to address concerns raised in previous resolutions and recommendations from the Assembly.
One key demand is the release of all political prisoners before the 2025 April part-session of the Assembly. The Georgian delegation’s mandates will be re-evaluated at this session, with the possibility of suspension if progress is not made on these issues.
**What does it mean for Georgia?**
The PACE resolution highlights several pressing concerns in Georgia. The country has faced significant democratic decline in recent years, and the international community is calling on the government to take action.
The emphasis on European integration and cooperation with the Council of Europe suggests that the Georgian authorities are expected to demonstrate a commitment to democratic values and reforms. Failure to do so may lead to further diplomatic pressure and potential consequences for the country’s relations with the international community.
**What’s next?**
Today’s debates will be an important moment in assessing the situation in Georgia. The PACE resolution provides a clear set of demands that the Georgian government must address. The country has until April 2025 to make progress on these issues, or face potential consequences for its delegation at the Assembly.
The international community is closely watching developments in Georgia. As the country navigates this complex and challenging environment, one thing is certain: the people of Georgia will be waiting with bated breath for the outcome of today’s debates and the promises made by their government to address these pressing concerns.
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