Germany and France issued a joint statement on Saturday encouraging Georgia to continue on the path of democratic reform.

“As a close partner for Germany and France, Georgia has undergone tremendous democratic changes in the last two decades. It has strengthened its ties with NATO and the European Union, where it plays an exemplary role within the Eastern Partnership. Building strong institutions is the bedrock of a strong democracy – as is a functioning democratic pluralism,” the statement reads.

#Georgia | ???? Joint Statement
➡️ encouragement to continue democratic reforms
➡️ support for electoral and judicial reforms and to ?? and ?? international mediators
➡️ support for territorial integrity and sovereignty of ??

➡️ https://t.co/DHsDDTVzIE pic.twitter.com/gqiJM7Pi90

— France Diplomacy?? (@francediplo_EN) December 12, 2020

Germany and France welcome the political consensus that all political parties reached earlier this year over necessary changes in the electoral system.

“Georgians have shown readiness to seize the opportunity of renewed parliamentary pluralism offered by this reform. The strong voter turnout during the first round of elections is encouraging and – amid the pandemic – remarkable,” the statement said.

The statement further says that international observers of ODIHR and domestic civil society have, however, pointed to some shortcomings in the electoral process.

“It appears that all political forces in Georgia agree that further electoral and judicial reforms should remain high on the political agenda. For such a debate, parliament is the right forum, as a parliamentary process would strengthen the outcome and the process alike – and ultimately the trust in public institutions in Georgia,” the statement reads.

The authors of the statement noted that while Georgia faces an array of regional challenges, it remains all the more important that the country stands united.

German and French foreign ministry spokespersons recall the necessity that all parties concerned, including Russia, fully implement the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement and reach tangible results in the Geneva International Discussions.

“In the context of recent talks regarding further economic integration of the breakaway region of Abkhazia with the Russian Federation, we reiterate our strong support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders,” the statement reads.

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