Secretary General Jagland today issued the following statement on the results of the Georgian elections: "The successful completion of open and competitive elections, recognised as democratic by the international observers including members of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, should be seen as a clear and unequivocal sign of the success of the democratic transformation of Georgian society over the last few years. I congratulate the Georgian Dream Coalition on the election victory.

It is now important to complete all stages of the election process and handover of government in a calm and constructive atmosphere. The Council of Europe stands ready to further accompany the young but dynamic Georgian democracy in upholding fundamental values and in tackling the challenges which lie ahead", he said.