The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the elections in Georgia held on 1 October 2012. The resolution was tabled by the Greens/EFA, EPP, ECR, S&D and ALDE groups.

Noting that democratic parliamentary elections of 1 October 2012, were free and fair and conducted in line with OSCE and Council of Europe commitments, despite a very polarised campaign, Members welcome the first instance of the transfer of power by means of democratic, free and fair elections to have occurred in Georgia, although certain issues remain to be addressed. They are aware, however, that instances of harassment and intimidation of party activists and supporters marred the campaign environment at times, and call on the Georgian authorities to fully address all the shortfalls identified by the International Election Observation, including the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission concerning the electoral code.

They welcome equally the progress in relations between the EU and Georgia, and encourage all Georgian political parties to work together constructively during the coming transition period, calling on all political forces to show restraint. Parliament wants to see constructive cooperation between the executive and legislative powers in Georgia during the expected period of cohabitation, noting that this period of constitutional cohabitation will require a concerted effort to seek political compromise.

It calls on the Council and Commission to ensure the necessary support for the new administration and to continue the ongoing dialogue, so as to ensure continuity and maintain momentum in the negotiations for an Association Agreement, and to consider it in line with the principle of ‘more for more’ to redouble the efforts to complete the negotiations for a visa-free regime between Georgia and the EU, in the context of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. Parliament looks forward to the conclusion of the negotiations of the new Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia, in line with the European aspirations of the country, and stresses the importance of Georgia's European integration process for the continuation of economic, social and political reform. It welcomes the EU's commitment to the objective of visa-free travel , and expects the parties to make substantial progress in this respect. Members also expect the new majority and the new government to continue cooperation with the EU and NATO , and hope that relations between the EU and Georgia will remain strong.

With regard to territorial disputes, Members reaffirm the EU's support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia . They call on the VP/HR to make further efforts to encourage Russia to comply with the six-point Sarkozy Plan to stabilise and resolve the conflict in Georgia. In this regard, they call on Russia to withdraw its troops from the breakaway Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and to allow unfettered access for the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) to those two provinces.

Members want both Georgia and Russia continue actively to engage in conflict resolution without preconditions and they hope that Georgia maintains its engagement in the Geneva International Discussions and pursues an effective policy in engaging with the breakaway regions. Parliament stresses the need for the new government to maintain Georgia's constructive engagement in the Geneva International Discussions. It regrets the slow pace of negotiations and the absence of any substantial progress between the two parties at the Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus, and calls for a stronger engagement with a view to complying in full with all six points of the ceasefire agreement of September 2008. Members note the invitation to the Georgian Dream coalition to send representatives to participate in the 21st round of internationally mediated peace talks on the Georgian conflicts, to be held in Geneva.

Ministers discussed the situation in Georgia in the wake of the parliamentary elections of 1 October. The Council adopted the following conclusions:

· It welcomes the parliamentary elections, and congratulates the Georgian people on this significant step towards the consolidation of democracy in their country, whilst taking note of OSCE-ODIHR’s generally positive preliminary assessment of the conduct of these elections. The Council calls on all Georgian state institutions and political parties to work together constructively during the coming period of transition , with a view to assuring stability, and welcomes the commitments made by representatives of both the incoming and outgoing administrations to an efficient and transparent political transition.

· It confirms the EU’s engagement, within the Eastern Partnership, to work towards political association and economic integration with Georgia, and reaffirms the EU’s commitment to the shared objective of visa free travel in due course, provided that the conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place. The Council acknowledges the European aspirations of Georgia , and recalls the joint statement of the Eastern Partnership Foreign Ministers' meeting of 23 July 2012, which referred to the Roadmap as constituting a basis for guiding the monitoring and further implementation of the Eastern Partnership.

· The EU stands ready to provide support and advice to the new administration, with a view to maintaining momentum in the negotiations of an Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, and in measures taken in the context of the ongoing visa dialogue.

· The Council stresses the critical importance of both an effective parliamentary opposition and a vibrant civil society to democratic development, and reiterates its intention to continue to support capacity building in these areas.

Lastly, it reiterates its firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. The EU looks forward to continued engagement by Georgia in the Geneva International Discussions, and to the pursuit by Georgia of an effective policy in engaging with the breakaway regions. The EU reconfirms its commitment to remain engaged and involved in stabilisation and conflict resolution efforts in Georgia, including by continuing its engagement as co-chair in the Geneva discussions, the efforts of the EUSR, and the continued presence on the ground of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM). The Council calls on Georgia to continue to support the return of an OSCE Mission to Georgia.