Georgia Withdraws from Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe

Georgia has announced its withdrawal from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in protest against the body's call for new parliamentary elections and its questioning of Georgia's electoral integrity.

According to the Inter Press News Agency, Georgian Deputy Prime Minister Tea Tsulukiani stated on Wednesday, "As of today, we are suspending our participation in the Parliamentary Assembly."

The decision comes after PACE urged Georgia to hold fresh, democratic elections, citing political turmoil following the October parliamentary elections, which saw the ruling Georgian Dream party retain power.

PACE also called for the release of political prisoners and urged the Georgian government to recommit to European integration, further escalating tensions between Tbilisi and the Council of Europe.

PACE is the legislative arm of the Council of Europe, comprising 46 member states. It plays a key role in electing judges to the European Court of Human Rights and ensuring democratic standards across Europe.