To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the statement in August 2013 by the International Young Democrat Union on recent political developments in Georgia.

The Government is aware of the statement made by the International Young Democrat Union.

There have been reports of violence between supporters of the ruling and opposition parties in the municipalities of Georgia. We condemn the violence which occurred in Tbilisi on 17 May 2013, and joined EU partners in issuing a statement to this effect on 20 May 2013. We have also underlined to the Georgian government the need to ensure that all prosecutions are transparent, evidence-based, and follow the rule of law.

In our contacts with both sides, we continue to encourage the parties to co-operate during the current political cohabitation, and to facilitate the conduct of free and fair presidential elections in October. Our embassy in Tbilisi will be observing the presidential elections, which take place on 27 October 2013.