United National Movement releases a statement on the facts of pressure on media.

" Because  the citizens have a strong will  to build a  modern legal state and integrate into the Euro-Atlantic area, NATO and the European Union;

Because the foundation of a democratic society is the freedom of the media;

Because the free and unhindered work of media is a part of the democratic development;

Because the fact of closure of the Public Broadcaster"s leading political talk shows and the circumstances related to this fact,  the closure of political programs on TV Imedi,  as well as the recent developments in  Maestro raise serious doubts that the government is trying to use a pressure and limit the space for political discussions in Georgian media,

Because the coordinated actions of the government and judiciary threatens existence of Rustavi2 and damages media pluralism, freedom of expression and  therefore the country"s European-Atlantic integration,

Because the recent developments create a  serious threat to holding the elections  2016 in accordance with minimum democratic standards ,

Because  our western partners have repeatedly called on the authorities to protect the political and media pluralism and democratic and competitive electoral environment of the states,

The parliament of Georgia  expresses its concern about  both, direct and indirect  pressure from  the government on Rustavi2 and other media  and demands to stop the pressure on Rustavi2 and other media outlets,"- is stated in an announcement.

The draft is being discussed by the parliament for the second day .