European Council President Charles Michel issued on Thursday a statement on the political situation in Georgia. He calls on all parties to put the interests of the citizens first and to commit to advancing Georgia’s political discourse within the framework of the country’s democratic institutions.

I have taken note of the decision by the Georgian Dream as regards the 19 April Agreement. This agreement continues to offer a European way towards building a stronger democracy and rule of law in Georgia in the interest of the Georgian people. I have equally taken note of the continued non-signature by United National Movement of the agreement.

I remain convinced that this agreement is the best way to advance a reform agenda which would strengthen the democratic institutions of Georgia and help bring about prosperity, jobs and growth - all much needed to the benefit of the people of Georgia," Charles Michel said in a statement.

"I see no alternative to continued in-depth electoral and judicial reforms, and free and fair local elections," he stated.

"I call on all parties to put the interests of the citizens first and to commit to advancing Georgia’s political discourse within the framework of the country’s democratic institutions. Consultations with a number of political actors in Georgia are starting. Yesterday I met with President Zourabichvili to discuss the situation and EU-Georgia relations," he added.

The Ruling Georgian Dream party announced on Wednesday the EU-brokered April 19 deal as “annulled".

"100 days after signing it is clear that the deal served its mission and exhausted itself,” Georgian Dream party chair Irakli Kobakhidze said at a briefing.

As he stated the majority of opposition lawmakers refrained from joining the agreement.

“We can see our international partners do not find it necessary to strictly demand from the radical opposition to sign and participate in implementing the document,” claimed Kobakhidze.

As for the issue of early parliamentary elections, he stated:

“We are ready and it will be it with our good will, to call snap elections even if we get not 43% of the vote, but 53%, if we learn from the behavior of the opposition parties that our political system is mature for effective coalition governance.”