A resolution on Georgia passed by the European Parliament obliges all European structures to start negotiations on deeper trade with Georgia and visa liberalization, Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Nino Kalandadze says, Georgia Online reports.
The resolution text was composed by Polish MP Kshishtof Lizek, who had visited Georgia in April 2011. The document was passed by the Committee for International Relations of the European Parliament. Chairman of the Georgian Parliament David Bakradze said that the first resolution of the European Parliament recognizes the Russian presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia as occupation. The resolution received 560 votes for and about 20 against, with 20 abstentions.
The resolution recognizes Georgia as an independent state with the right to choose its own development trend. The document mentions ethnic clearances on the territories, which is a violation of human rights. Kalandadze noted that it is not just a political document, but is also a legal act.
