**Parliamentary Assembly to Hold Urgent Debates on Georgia’s Situation**
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe will hold emergency debates this Thursday, May 10, as part of its ongoing spring session in Strasbourg. The move comes amid concerns over the situation in Georgia, where a recent resolution was adopted calling for new elections and addressing human rights issues.
**Background: A Call for New Elections**
In January, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe passed a resolution urging Georgia to hold new parliamentary elections within months. This resolution also led to the ratification of the Georgian delegation’s mandates until April 2025, with certain conditions attached. The move was seen as an effort by PACE to push for democratic reforms in the country.
**Key Demands**
The resolution adopted by PACE strongly demands that the Georgian authorities take several key steps:
1. **Inclusive Process**: Georgia must initiate a process involving all relevant parties and social actors, including the ruling majority, opposition, and civil society, to address electoral deficiencies and violations.
2. **Electoral Environment**: The country should create an electoral environment that ensures truly democratic new parliamentary elections, which are expected to be held soon.
3. **Human Rights and Reforms**: Georgia must take immediate steps to allow for European integration and expedite necessary reforms. Police brutality and human rights violations must end, with investigations into these incidents. Journalists, civil leaders, and demonstrators should also be protected from retaliation and harassment.
4. **Release of Political Prisoners**: All political prisoners in Georgia are expected to be released before the Assembly’s session in April 2025.
**Next Steps**
The ratification of the Georgian delegation’s mandates until April 2025 with conditions provides a window for the country to address these concerns. Based on progress made, PACE will reassess the Georgian delegation’s mandates at its next session in April 2025, potentially leading to changes or suspensions if necessary.
**Commentary and Analysis**
The holding of urgent debates by PACE reflects the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring democratic standards are met in Georgia. The adoption of this resolution highlights ongoing concerns over the country’s electoral process and human rights record. For Georgia, this presents an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to European integration and democratic principles.
**Read More**
For more information on the situation in Georgia and the activities of PACE during its spring session, visit [www.interpressnews.ge](http://www.interpressnews.ge).