**Council of Europe Expresses Concern About Georgia’s Situation**
The Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has made a statement about the situation in Georgia. The committee is concerned that the Georgian government is not living up to its election promises.
The PACE says that the government announced it would stop negotiations on joining the European Union, which could have big effects on reforms needed to strengthen democracy and rule of law in Georgia. This decision goes against what the government promised voters during the last parliamentary elections.
**Concerns About Repression**
PACE also strongly condemns the brutal treatment of peaceful protesters as a violation of their right to free speech and assembly. Most of the protesters were arrested and charged under a Soviet–era law that has been criticized for not being in line with European standards.
The PACE notes that this repression is particularly worrying given the problems with the October 26 parliamentary elections, where voters did not have a free choice due to pressure and intimidation.
**Call to Remain Loyal to European Values**
The PACE calls on Georgia to stay faithful to its European values and fulfill its obligations as a member of the Council of Europe. The committee is willing to continue working with Georgian authorities, democratic forces, civil society, and youth in close cooperation with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the Committee of Ministers.
This call comes ahead of a discussion at the next PACE session about the observation report on the parliamentary elections held in Georgia last October.
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