The World Web Times - worldwebtimes.com

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pere Joan Pons and a high-level delegation concluded a three-day visit to Georgia on March 10 aimed at “encouraging dialogue, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting engagement across the political spectrum,” the organization said in a press release.

During the March 8-10 visit, the delegation met with key Georgian Dream officials, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili, Interior Minister Geka Geladze, Speaker of the disputed parliament Shalva Papuashvili, and GD-elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili, as well as Public Defender Levan Ioseliani. The delegation also met with opposition parties both inside and outside parliament, civil society members, and representatives of the diplomatic community. On the first day of the visit, they also visited the occupation line and met with internally displaced persons.

The visit came amid Georgia’s protracted political crisis, marked by government crackdowns, ongoing anti-government protests, and opposition efforts to stand united against the ruling party. The OSCE press release particularly emphasized the “absence of political dialogue” as a “serious obstacle” for Georgia.

In the press release, OSCE PA President Pons is quoted as saying he was “shocked” to discover that politicians in Georgia “are not communicating with each other” and called on “all sides” to “engage constructively” and “begin direct communication aimed at restoring dialogue,” noting that “the government has a special responsibility in this.”

The press release added that the delegation “welcomed” the “broad consensus” regarding Georgia’s European integration aspirations and said the next elections, “when held,” must be in line with OSCE commitments. “However, they noted that the severe polarization in the political scene will continue to serve as an obstacle to achieving these aims, and reflected that in the future voters will reward those seen as pursuing them in a constructive manner,” the release said.

Luis Graca, Special Representative on the South Caucasus, is quoted as saying, “It is clear that the polarization within politics and society in Georgia is blocking the country from reaching its potential,” noting that they expect political leaders in Georgia, despite their disagreements, to work together.

He continued, “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,” in what appeared to be a reference to the October 4, 2025, election-day unrest in Tbilisi, when a group of protesters, at the organizations’ call, attempted to occupy the presidential palace.

Baroness Christine Blower is quoted as saying, “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.”

The press release further said that the delegation “noted with regret” efforts by the ruling party to ban “certain opposition parties,” saying it would “likely exacerbate divisions and result in further isolation.” On March 9, during the delegation’s visit, PM Irakli Kobakhidze said Georgian Dream may amend its appeal to the Constitutional Court, which seeks to ban major opposition forces, to cover even more parties in response to the opposition parties’ announced alliance.

Another member of the OSCE PA delegation, Jevrosima Pejovic, is quoted as saying, “Banning parties or regular political or civil activity is not the way forward.” She noted the concerns raised by OSCE/ODIHR related to “recently adopted legislation” and called on authorities to “address the shortcomings.” She added, however, that politics likewise “should take place within the relevant institutions, and boycotts cannot serve as an alternative to dialogue and political activism.”

The press release added that the delegation requested authorities to meet with individuals “described by opposition forces as political prisoners” and “regretted that this was not possible on this occasion.” Among those the delegation wanted to see was jailed journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli.

The press release additionally said that during their visit to the “Administrative Boundary Line,” the delegation “reaffirmed the OSCE PA’s strong and consistent support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” adding 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,” the press release said, “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.”

Also Read:

• 07/03/2026 – GD’s New Laws Restricting Grants, Political Activity Draw International Condemnation
• 03/07/2025 – OSCE PA Urges Release of ‘All Political Prisoners’, Holding New Elections in Georgia