EU concerned about pre-election political tensions in Georgia

The European Union is deeply concerned about the growing political tensions before the parliamentary elections in Georgia, European Commissioner for the European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement, Stefan Fule, said after meeting with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in Brussels on Thursday, Trend reports.

"The parliamentary elections in October and presidential elections in 2013 will be an important test for Georgia's democracy, and we call on all political forces to respect the electoral process and to ensure free and fair votes." Fule said "I am confident that the elections will primarily be (competition) between political programs and ideas."

He also said that the EU is watching the issues around the media environment very carefully.

Fule also noted in a press release the progress made by Georgia in terms of modernization and reform, and said that the EU will continue to support this in the Eastern Partnership.

"It is also clear that Georgia needs to take further steps and to continue this path of modernization and strengthening of democracy," Fule said.