Parliament Speaker questions Finnish FM’s commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday sharply criticised Finnish Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Elina Valtonen, questioning the sincerity of her statements in support of Georgia’s sovereignty after her participation in what he called an “illegal rally” in Tbilisi.

Speaking at the Parliament Bureau session, Papuashvili noted that Valtonen’s visit to Georgia was part of her OSCE chairmanship, yet she used the occasion to “support radical groups”.

“I would like to respond to the actions of the Finnish Foreign Minister, who also serves as the OSCE Chairperson, regarding her behaviour yesterday, when she took part in an illegal protest and road blockade. Everyone saw it live and in photos. Her statement also included attempts to spread false narratives. Today, we all saw the Prime Minister’s announcement and the Government’s position that the meeting was canceled”, the Speaker said.

“This is exactly what we mean when we say that international institutions are being instrumentalised and used as a tool against Georgian democracy. The Finnish Foreign Minister came to Georgia within the framework of her OSCE chairmanship, yet used the visit to support radical groups. Moreover, she directly and blatantly violated Georgian law and Article 41 of the Vienna Convention”, Papuashvili continued.

He further pointed to Valtonen’s visit to the occupation line in Odzisi earlier that day, calling her statements on sovereignty hypocritical.

“This morning, the Minister visited the occupation line in Odzisi, and, just like in her previous statements, she wanted to show respect for sovereignty. But what is the value of declaring support for sovereignty in Odzisi when you violate it yourself on Rustaveli Avenue? It’s important for the public to fully understand this behavior, which also undermines the OSCE as an organization”, the Speaker concluded.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday canceled a scheduled meeting with Finland’s visiting Foreign Minister due to her participation in an illegal rally and false statements made on Tuesday.

During her visit to Georgia, the OSCE Chairperson and Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen joined demonstrators on Rustaveli Avenue and spoke with those gathered outside the Parliament building.

She further published a social media post in support of protesters, writing that “peaceful demonstrators have gathered to express concern over the country’s repressive course”.