Georgia, a member of the OSCE, has faced significant challenges for three decades, including the consequences of neglecting international norms, conflict, and the occupation of two regions by Russia, stated Maka Botchorishvili, Chair of the European Integration Committee, during the autumn session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Dublin.

Botchorishvili emphasized that the Georgian government’s declared policy is to pursue peaceful means to resolve the conflict and restore the country’s territorial integrity. She acknowledged the involvement of all international actors in this process but noted the difficulties in achieving success in international negotiations in Geneva thus far.

“Thanks to a decade of efforts by the Georgian government, the decisions of international courts now bolster our position, allowing us to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict with both political and legal arguments. A glance at the map illustrates the complexity of our situation; we must prioritize maintaining peace and ensuring a stable path for the democratic development of our country,” Botchorishvili stated.

She highlighted the importance of stability and peace in Georgia, not only for the nation but also for the entire region’s security.

“In recent years, Georgia has faced multiple threats of destabilization, which have made our security more vulnerable. We have witnessed various international campaigns that often lack objective foundations yet harm our country’s reputation,” she remarked.

With important parliamentary elections approaching, Botchorishvili stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that these elections are conducted fairly, without questioning the choices of the Georgian citizens, as has occurred in the past.

“At the invitation of the Georgian government, you will have the opportunity to observe the elections and draw objective conclusions. Your mission extends beyond mere election observation; maintaining stability and peace in Georgia is vital for our security and that of the entire region,” she concluded.