Strasbourg, 23.05.2008 - The Chairman-in-office of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden took note of the assessment by the international observation mission of the Parliamentary elections held in Georgia the day before yesterday. "It is reassuring to note that the election environment has generally improved since the presidential elections. At the same time, we look forward to continued efforts on behalf of the Georgian authorities to properly address the shortcomings that were identified in a number of areas, as well as to ensure an accurate and transparent process for complaints and appeals.
The Council of Europe stands fully prepared to provide further assistance to Georgia in this work. I call on all political forces in Georgia to enter into a constructive dialogue in order to further the course of democratic reforms in the country."