Georgia to focus on closing its review of the past, says Thomas Hammarberg

The FINANCIAL — "The new Government and Parliament in Georgia should pay much more attention to closing their review of the past in a spirit of strict adherence to principles of justice, fairness and proportionality: no impunity for serious crimes and also no undue politicisation or selective justice.

The FINANCIAL — "The new Government and Parliament in Georgia should pay much more attention to closing their review of the past in a spirit of strict adherence to principles of justice, fairness and proportionality: no impunity for serious crimes and also no undue politicisation or selective justice. This would help the necessary healing process," stressed Thomas Hammarberg, EU Special Adviser on Constitutional and Legal Reform and Human Rights in Georgia, according to PACE.

"At the same time, it is crucial that more and more political attention be given to build the future and make democracy in Georgia stronger, especially through the introduction of effective systems and mechanisms of checks and balances," he said. Mr Hammarberg was presenting his report on Georgia in transition, addressed to High Representative and Vice-President Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Stefan Füle, who also attended the Monitoring Committee meeting for an exchange of views on "European Union Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy".

Urging the international community to create dialogue based on mutual respect, constructive criticism and sharing of experiences, Mr Hammarberg recalled that it was in Europe's obvious interest that Georgia's democracy is developed and further strengthened.