Georgia has proved itself a democratic country, Belarus is „frozen“ in time
Today the European Parliament adopted resolutions on the parliamentary elections in Belarus and Georgia.
In the debate before the vote Bulgarian MEP Kristian Vigenin noted that there are very clear indicators, which could measure if elections are free and fair and they apply to every country in the world and Belarus cannot be an exception .
He stressed the fact that: “There, no elections are recognized as free and fair since 1995.” , which means that the legitimacy of all elected representatives is insufficient. "If we talk to them, we do not talk to the Belarusian people.", said Vigenin.
Vigenin didn`t hide his disappointment at the situation in Belarus: „It looks like the President of Belarus has invented the time machine – that is the only reasonable explanation why and how a country in Europe can freeze itself in the today’s dynamic and interconnected world.“.
Vigenin, who chairs the Parliamentary Assembly of the Eastern Partnership urged the EU to follow an enhanced version of the current long-term strategy that is aimed at the Belarusian people. „Change can be supported by Brussels, but should be prepared and should happen in Minsk.“ - he was categorical.
In the continuation of the debate, which was held with the participation of Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule, Vigenin wished success to the new government of Georgia and emphasized the important role that is played by the European Union for the elections in the country.
He greeted the previous rulers, saying that the loss of the party of President Saakashvili and the peaceful change in the government is the strongest evidence of the achievement of objectives of the “Rose Revolution” - Georgia has proved itself as a functioning democracy.
"It is important to ensure that Georgia will continue its work with the European Union for successful negotiations on the Association Agreement (AA) .", said Vigenin and added: “The new government to do more to support the poorest people, to strengthen labor rights and to correct the social inequalities.”
Bulgarian MEP warned that: „Working between President Saakashvili and Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili will be challenging without a doubt, but the cooperation between government and opposition and between the institutions in a democratic state is the key to stability".