Statement from Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide regarding the unrest in Georgia

– The scenes we have been witnessing in Georgian streets over the past week are incompatible with European and Euro-Atlantic integration, and with fundamental democratic values to which Georgia has committed itself. The latest reports of arrests of opposition and civil society figures, raids on opposition party offices, civil society organisations and private homes are deeply troubling.

– Over a number of years, Norway and Georgia have been developing a constructive partnership. We have wholeheartedly supported Georgia’s pursuit of democratic reforms and its path to a European future, in line with the aspirations of the Georgian people. What we are now seeing is a development that goes in a very different direction, undermining Georgia’s democracy and taking the country further away from Europe, says Mr Eide.

– We call on Georgian authorities to immediately release those who have been detained for exercising their legitimate right to freedom of assembly and expression. The documentation of systematic and brutal violence and repressive tactics must be investigated, and those responsible must be held to account.

– Norway stands firm in its support for the aspirations of the Georgian people for a European future and for a society based on respect for democratic norms, human rights and fundamental freedoms, says Foreign Minister Eide.