Georgian Parliament official pushes for inclusion of Russian-occupied regions in OSCE Parliamentary Assembly report

At the initiative of Nikoloz Samkharadze, Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee and Head of Georgia's Permanent Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, new provisions concerning Georgia's Russian-occupied territories have been added to the OSCE PA's annual report.

The updated report now includes language stating that the OSCE PA rejects any attempts to legitimize elections held in Georgia's occupied regions, including the “presidential elections” conducted in Abkhazia on March 2, 2025. These elections are deemed unrecognized under international law and pose a direct challenge to Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Furthermore, the OSCE PA expresses deep concern over Russia's ongoing occupation of Georgia's regions - Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region - since 2008, an occupation that undermines regional security.

The Assembly calls for the full implementation of the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement. This includes the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces to pre-conflict positions, ensuring unhindered access for humanitarian assistance in the affected regions, and facilitating the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees.

The report also urges constructive engagement in the Geneva Discussions.