The Lithuanian prime minister noted that the Georgian parliamentary elections were free and fair, with political competition.
"This was acknowledged by participants of the elections and international observers, including observers from Lithuania," Kubilius said in a press release circulated by the prime minister's service.
According to him, "there were worries about the tense atmosphere before the election, characterized by extreme polarization of political forces."
"We hope that, after the elections, political opponents will manage to overcome the confrontation and pool efforts for further economic and political reforms. We also hope that the newly-formed Georgian government continues all work that has been started in connection to European Union (EU) and NATO integration to ensure continuation of the current foreign policies," Kubilius said.
He noted the frequent observation that the parliamentary elections was "a key step in the efforts to successfully complete EU-Georgia association talks, free trade and visa-free travel agreements."
"We hope that the treaties will be agreed on and signed at the earliest convenience," the prime minister said in the press release.
Lithuania's Foreign Ministry has described the Monday's elections to the Georgian parliament as an important step towards democratic consolidation.
According to the press release circulated on Tuesday, the preliminary assessments of the elections in Georgia by international organizations suggest that, irrespective of the political tensions, the Georgian elections took place in a calm and peaceful environment, which was also competitive, democratic, and open. Furthermore, the elections were organised professionally and in accordance with international principles for democratic elections.
"We assess that the elections were a significant step forward in the consolidation of democracy in Georgia. Georgian voters have shown confidence in both the elections and the democratic process. We evaluate the elections in Georgia as a victory for the Georgian society," the Foreign Ministry said in the press release.
"Now it is important for the winning major political parties to appreciate the voters’ confidence and to unite efforts aiming to attain the most important objectives for Georgia. Lithuania is ready to continue to cooperate with democratically-elected leaders of Georgia, especially continuing to assist Georgia in achieving its European and Euro-Atlantic integration aspirations," reads the release.
On Tuesday, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili acknowledged the defeat of his ruling party – United National Movement – to the opposition coalition Georgian Dream headed by millionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.
According to preliminary results published on Tuesday, the opposition coalition Georgian Dream collected 53.19 percent of the vote, while the United National Movement finished with 41.51 percent.
