Salome Samadashvili: The European Parliament resolution makes it clear that if political changes do not take place, we are at risk of losing visa-free travel. The resolution is especially important given that the European Council will be discussing Georgia on July 15

A discussion on policies related to Georgia is scheduled in the European Council on July 15. Ahead of this extremely important and historic deliberation, it is very important for us that the European Parliament clearly expresses its political positions—specifically, recognizing Ivanishvili’s regime as illegitimate, highlighting the need for sanctions against the regime, and increasing support for the Georgian people," stated one of the leaders of "Lelo – For Strong Georgia," Salome Samadashvili.­­­­­­­­­­According to Samadashvili, the resolution under discussion in the European Parliament makes it clear to everyone that if political changes do not occur—if new parliamentary elections are not held in the country—“we are facing the risk not only of freezing the EU integration process but also of losing visa-free travel opportunities.”

"The resolution being discussed in the European Parliament, which is expected to be approved today, is especially important because in the near future, on July 15, the European Council will deliberate on policies related to Georgia. Ahead of this crucial—indeed, historic—discussion, it is extremely important that the European Parliament expresses clear political positions on issues such as recognizing Ivanishvili's regime as illegitimate, the need for sanctions against the regime, and greater support for the Georgian people. I believe this resolution makes it very clear to everyone that if political changes do not happen, if new parliamentary elections are not held in the country, we are at risk—not only of the EU integration process being frozen, which is already practically the case—but of losing even such significant achievements as visa-free travel to EU member states. This also clarifies the situation, especially for those people who still consider themselves supporters of 'Georgian Dream.' This is an important political document that everyone who cares about Georgia’s future and its European path should study very carefully," said Salome Samadashvili.