Local EU statement on the events connected with the Day against

Tbilisi, 20 May 2013

The European Union Delegation issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Georgia:

"The EU Delegation was dismayed by the scenes of brutal intolerance and violence committed by some demonstrators on 17 May with a declared desire to prevent other demonstrators from expressing themselves peacefully.

The EU considers the freedom of expression of every human being to be of paramount importance as stated on numerous occasions, including in the latest statement made by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Lady Ashton, on the Day against Homophobia.

The EU believes in the need to fight discrimination on any grounds, including sexual orientation, and to encourage tolerance as a basis for a democratic and peaceful society.

The EU calls on the government of Georgia to uphold the international and Europeanstandards of freedom and equality in dignity and rights to which it has committed itself.

The EU urges Georgia to defend the human rights of all its citizens using all the means at its disposal."