“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania is concerned about the recent political situation in Georgia,” a statement by Lithuanian MFA reads.

The statement views the parliament’s decision to waive the legal immunity of UNM chairman, Nika Melia and a possible arrest of the politician reduces the possibility of dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition, raising questions about selective justice and the rule of law in the country.

“We regret that Georgia’s political leaders have so far not taken every opportunity to resolve their differences over last autumn’s parliamentary elections. We encourage Georgia’s authorities and the opposition and division of society, also to refrain from the possible use of force against citizens. Further escalation of the situation will only damage the country’s future prospects. We are convinced that Georgia needs authorities with the capacity to take important decisions in the interests of the people, both in the light of recent challenges and in the context of the implementation of reforms under the European Union and Georgia Association Agreement,” the statement reads.

“We call on our partners in Georgia to step away from the red lines, take advantage of the opportunity to de-escalate the situation and look for ways to normalize the situation, as well as to return to constructive political dialogue,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis.