Canada announced a review of relations with the Government of Georgia, while Sweden announced their suspension.
Both countries have expressed concern over observers' reports of numerous election violations. This concern has been heightened against the backdrop of previous government actions.
“Canada is concerned about the numerous instances of voter intimidation, vote buying and other election day irregularities... This must be investigated and resolved. In coordination with our G7 and European partners, and in light of the course and outcome of this election, Canada will review its relationship with the Georgian leadership. Canada remains open to working with Georgia, provided that the Georgian leadership respects democracy, human rights, the rule of law and addresses the recent setback in democratic development,” Canada's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Sweden is stopping aid to Georgian government programs of about 200 million kroner - that's about 17.37 million euros annually, JAMnews writes.
At the same time, a new line of aid - 25 million kroner or about 2.17 million euros - will be allocated to support civil society in Georgia.
“The situation in Georgia has been a matter of grave concern for some time now. The violations reported by international observers in last weekend's parliamentary elections only add to this concern...The government is therefore suspending the current direct cooperation between Swedish and Georgian state authorities, including cooperation with the Georgian tax service,” said Swedish Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dosa.
Reprinted from https://www.newsgeorgia.ge/
Comentários