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Statement by Georgian PM Kvirikashvili on violence in Kortskheli (Samegrelo region)
Tbilisi, 23 May 2016 - Today, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili made the following statement concerning the violent incidents which occurred on Sunday outside a polling station in Kortskheli (Samegrelo region) during a local by-election: "The events which took place during the by-election in Samegrelo are unacceptable. Such incidents shall not occur again. I cannot stress enough the importance of moving away from the former practice of conducting elections in a violent environment: this belongs to the past and has no place in today's Georgia. We shall not allow violence to determine the outcome of the elections and shall ensure better mobilisation of the law enforcement agencies to prevent any such incidents from taking place in the future. The authorities will carry out a full investigation into the matter and the perpetrators will be brought to justice. The Government of Georgia upholds the right to peaceful elections and free vote for our citizens as a matter of honour for our state. Allegations concerning the fact that we funded sportsmen are preposterous. We have not funded anyone. I would like to reiterate that the Government has the obligation to conduct elections in a violent-free and peaceful environment - this is our duty, it is our responsibility. We will not respond to provocation. The Ministry of Interior has launched an investigation under the article 125 of the Criminal Code (inflicting physical injury) with regard to the confrontation incident in Kortskheli.
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