Baltic and Nordic countries call on Georgian authorities to consider holding new elections

RIGA - The Georgian authorities should immediately implement the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) recommendations on the conduct of elections and consider the possibility of holding new elections on the basis of these recommendations, a joint statement of the Baltic and Nordic countries (NB8) released on Sunday afternoon said.

The Latvian Foreign Ministry told LETA that the Baltic and Nordic countries are "seriously concerned about the situation in Georgia". They are concerned about the country's drift towards deeper polarization and crisis.

"We have called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the irregularities reported ahead of and during the parliamentary elections on October 26," the statement reads.

"We have condemned violence and intimidation against peaceful protesters, politicians and media representatives; and we deplore the threats directed towards President Zourabichvili," the statement goes on to say.

"As long-standing friends of Georgia, and supporters of the European aspirations of the Georgian people, we are alarmed by the country’s path towards deeper polarization and crisis," the statement points out.

"Georgia urgently needs a way out of the crisis, and to restore public trust in its democratic institutions. We urge the Georgian authorities to take immediate steps in this direction, including by implementing OSCE electoral recommendations and by considering the possibility of new elections based on these recommendations," the statement emphasizes.