On Tuesday 9 March, Christian Danielsson, Head of the European Commission's Representation in Sweden, was appointed as EU mediator in Georgia after the violent arrest of opposition leader Nika Melia a few weeks ago. Last week, European Council President Charles Michel discussed with the political parties in Georgia during his Tbilisi visit and called for a constructive approach.

ALDE Party President Hans van Baalen recently joined a webinar organised by the Georgian TV channel, during which he reaffirmed his call for the release of Nika Melia and other political prisoners. President van Baalen believes that new elections would bring more clarity to the political situation in Georgia but noted it is up to the opposition to decide which course of action to take.

The next EU-Georgia association council will be organised on 16 March in Brussels.

On the same day @eucopresident appointed @DanielssonEU to mediate political dialogue in #Georgia, LI Pres of Honour & @ALDEParty Pres @hansvanbaalen spoke to @TvMtavari: "It's vital that Mr. @NikaMelia5 & the other prisoners are released."

Watch here 👉https://t.co/POkunAA5jx pic.twitter.com/FiZtfalXTw

— Liberal International (@liberalinternat) March 9, 2021