The Parliament Assembly of the Council of Europe has given 130 votes for and 8 against the resolution on Georgia on Wednesday. The resolution contains proposals on further monitoring of fulfillment of Georgia’s obligations to the CE, News Georgia reports.
The document gives a positive rating to the changes in Georgia. It concerns the political situation in the country and elections in May 2010. There are critical notes as well.
Russian media say that the resolution states the occupation of two separatist regions. Mikhail Machavariani, Parliamentary Vice-Speaker and member of the Georgian delegation, said that the resolution gave Georgia great support.
Leader of the parliamentary majority, Georgian representative to PACE Petre Tsiskarishvili, noted that Georgia will consider all the comments.
The official said that the resolution expressed concern with the way refugees are moved from their accommodation in Tbilisi.
Tsiskarishvili said that no one forced the refugees out. They have been living in hospitals and schools without light and water for 14 years. Now they live in houses.
PACE approved Georgian steps to resolve inter-political confrontation and believes that elections to local authorities on May 30, 2010, were an important step. It also approved reopening of the group for improving the Electoral Code.
PACE urged Georgia to take the recommendations of the Venice Commission into account and introduce amendments to the Constitution. This includes reconsideration of impeachment, clarification of the president’s role in international agreements and improving the role of parliament in the country’s budget.
PACE recommended the media to be more clear.
PACE called for independence of local authorities and proposed direct mayoral elections in all municipalities or at least all major cities.
PACE proposed separating the prosecution services and the Justice Ministry.
PACE noted ethnic problems and demanded improvement of education for ethnic minorities.
Georgia was recommended to ratify the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and the law on religion.
