Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe arrived in Georgia for an official visit, Georgian Public Broadcaster reports.
Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia hosted him at the Tbilisi International Airport.
Within the framework of his visit, Alain Berset will meet Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili and Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili.
The visit of the CoE Secretary General will be completed on December 21.
“As a member state of the Council of Europe since 1999, Georgia is bound to respect its fundamental commitments: democracy, the protection of human rights and the rule of law. These principles, enshrined in the Statute of the Council of Europe and underpinning the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), are essential to stability and peace in Europe. The Secretary General had the opportunity to reiterate this message with all due clarity during recent telephone exchanges with the Georgian President and Prime Minister.
In the current tense and worrying context, the Council of Europe calls on all parties to avoid any escalation of tensions. It urges the authorities to refrain from the disproportionate use of force and to respect fundamental freedoms, in particular freedom of expression and assembly. These principles are essential to guarantee the country’s stability and to meet the expectations of the Georgian people.
The 2024-2027 Action Plan, drawn up in partnership with national authorities and adopted by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers on 18 October 2023, aims to strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights and guarantee the independence of the judiciary. The Council of Europe is committed to adjusting this support according to the realities on the ground, while actively involving civil society. Its priorities must be reflected in the reform programme at the national level.
The Secretary General welcomes yesterday’s release of Nika Gvaramia and Aleko Elisashvili, whom he plans to meet with other members of the opposition and civil society. He also reaffirms his support for Georgia’s European aspirations,” reads the information of the CoE.
