EU concerns about tensions ahead of Georgia vote
EU officials have urged the Georgian government and the opposition to "ensure a peaceful, enabling, and competitive electoral environment", Radio Liberty reported.
In a statement released ahead of parliamentary elections, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele expressed concern "about the growing polarization and tension in this context -- elections should be first of all about political programs and ideas."
Ashton and Fuele said Georgia remained a key partner for the European Union, adding that the October 1 elections will "set the stage for the quality and intensity of our relations in the future."
The vote will pit President Mikheil Saakashvili's governing party against the bloc headed by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.
Tensions rose last month after a court fined Ivanishvili more than $12 million for an allegedly suspect cash withdrawal.
Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention.
Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis.
By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more.
You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper
Thank you!