OSCE PA delegation meets with President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili, 16 November 2023TBILISI, 16 November 2023 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pia Kauma (Finland) and Special Representative Kari Henriksen (Norway) concluded today a visit to Georgia, marking the second leg of their visit to the South Caucasus. The visit served as an opportunity to promote greater collaboration among political forces and foster enhanced regional co-operation, with Georgia well-positioned to lead these efforts, Kauma and Henriksen noted.
President Kauma, Special Representative Henriksen and Secretary General Roberto Montella held a series of meetings focused on domestic and regional challenges in Georgia and the South Caucasus. During discussions with President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ilia Darchiashvili and Mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze, they also had the chance to discuss the potential for strengthening regional co-operation.
In parliament they met with the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia Shalva Papuashvili, with Georgia’s Delegation to the OSCE PA headed by Nikoloz Samkharadze, and with representatives of parties represented in parliament.
President Kauma highlighted that Georgia is uniquely positioned to champion regional co-operation, particularly with Armenia and Azerbaijan during this sensitive time. “True regional co-operation would not only be beneficial to Georgia but also offer a valuable opportunity for stability and peace in the South Caucasus region, enabling it to fully exploit its great economic potential,” she said.
The delegation visits the occupation line in the village Odzisi, 16 November 2023The delegation took note of the broad political unity within Georgia in favour of further Euro-Atlantic integration. They stressed the continued commitment of the OSCE PA to Georgian democratic development including through observation of upcoming elections.
While visiting the occupation line in the village Odzisi and the settlement of IDPs from Tskhinvali Region, the delegation received detailed briefings on the effects of the so-called borderization on the daily lives of the conflict-affected population residing on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL).
“It is crucial to acknowledge and bring fresh attention to the enduring Russian occupation of parts of Georgia, which has persisted for 15 years,” said Special Representative Henriksen. “The impact remains particularly significant for IDPs and the local population, as was demonstrated by the recent tragic incident in which Tamaz Ginturi was killed in the village of Kirbali. It is imperative for the OSCE to stand in solidarity with the affected population.”
The delegation’s regional visit continues in Armenia. In Yerevan, they will hold a series of discussions involving government officials and international community representatives. The visit will culminate with the OSCE PA Autumn Meeting scheduled for November 18-20.
