“Use of violence against state institutions is not acceptable” - OSCE PA President concludes visit to Georgia, urges political dialogue

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly president Pere Joan Pons and a high-level delegation on Wednesday concluded a several-day visit to Georgia aimed at encouraging dialogue, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting engagement across the political spectrum.

During the visit, the delegation met with the Georgian president, Parliament speaker, the prime minister, Georgian foreign minister, the minister of internal affairs, the public defender, representatives of numerous opposition parties both inside and outside parliament, members of civil society and representatives of the diplomatic community.

The delegation also visited the Administrative Boundary Line and met with internally displaced persons affected by the continued occupation of parts of Georgia.

“These days have reaffirmed my impression that Georgia has many very impressive politicians. Those both inside parliament and outside are seemingly constantly active in communicating with international partners. Unfortunately, I was shocked to discover that they are not communicating with each other”, Pons said.

“I call on all sides to engage constructively and to begin direct communication aimed at restoring dialogue. The government has a special responsibility in this”, he said.

The delegation welcomed the broad consensus regarding Georgia’s European integration aspirations and that the next elections, when held, must be in line with OSCE commitments.

However, they noted that the severe polarization in the political scene would continue to serve as an obstacle to achieving these aims, and reflected that in the future voters would reward those seen as pursuing them in a constructive manner.

“It is clear that the polarization within politics and society in Georgia is blocking the country from reaching its potential. Our delegation is politically diverse, and we disagree on many things, but we work together. We expect the same from political leaders here in Georgia”, said Luis Graça, special representative of the South Caucasus.

“Let us be clear again, as I was in October: the use of violence against state institutions is not acceptable. Change must be made through the ballot box and through policy-making bodies, not through violence aimed at overthrowing them”, he continued.

“It is not up to us in the OSCE or any other international body to fix the problems here. This is up to the people and leaders of Georgia, and I hope to see responsible steps to de-escalate the political scene and get back to actual political dialogue”, said Baroness Christine Blower.

The delegation noted with regret the efforts by ruling party members to seek a ban of certain opposition parties, which they noted would likely exacerbate divisions and result in further isolation.

“Similarly, politics should take place within the relevant institutions, and boycotts cannot serve as an alternative to dialogue and political activism”, she noted.

The delegation had requested of the authorities to meet with individuals described by opposition forces as political prisoners and regretted that this was not available on this occasion.

On the first day of the visit Members traveled to the Administrative Boundary Line, and reaffirmed the OSCE PA’s strong and consistent support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

They noted that the humanitarian consequences of the continued occupation remain a matter of international concern.

The visit forms part of the Assembly’s continued engagement with Georgia, including election observation and parliamentary co-operation, and its findings are expected to be discussed at the OSCE PA’s upcoming Bureau Meeting and Annual Session in The Hague.