“Russia still refuses to fulfill its international obligations despite the rulings of the international courts (ECHR and ICC), that prove its responsibility for occupation and ongoing violation of human rights,” stated Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili, in her speech at the OSCE Ministerial Council in Malta.

According to Botchorishvili, Georgia’s task is to restore its territorial integrity peacefully.

“Let me express my immense gratitude to Malta for the OSCE Chairmanship in 2024 and for generous hospitality. Almost half a century has passed since the Helsinki Final Act defined the main principles on which the OSCE was founded. My country, Georgia, was one of the first that has experienced the consequences of violation of those norms and principles, resulting in the occupation of 20% of its territory by Russia. Russia’s war against Ukraine that poses the biggest threat to European security today is the clear continuation of its aggressive actions in Georgia.

Occupation of two Georgian regions, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali and Russia’s illegal presence there remain the main security challenge for us. Ethnic cleansing, hybrid war, the brutal violations of fundamental human rights, the tragic facts of torture and murder, hundreds of thousands of displaced persons who have been living with the hope of returning to their homes for decades, the steps taken towards the annexation of these two regions, there are the consequences of Russian occupation.

Regretfully, the 2008 EU-mediated ceasefire agreement is still not being implemented. Moreover, the EU Monitoring Mission has not been allowed to fully implement its mandate and still has no access to the occupied regions. Russia still refuses to fulfill its international obligations despite the rulings of the international courts (ECHR and ICC), that prove its responsibility for occupation and ongoing violation of human rights.

Georgia’s objective is peaceful restoration of its territorial integrity. Our peace policy has two pillars – de-occupation and reconciliation of communities divided by occupation lines. Geneva International Discussions remains one of the most significant mechanisms to that end. Georgia appreciates the unwavering support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity by our partners. It is of the utmost importance to keep the issue of a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict among the top priorities on the agenda of the OSCE and other international organizations.

We welcome the upcoming Finish Chairmanship of the OSCE and look forward to the visit of the Chairperson in office to Georgia, at the beginning of next year,” the Foreign Minister stated.

Maka Botchorishvili reaffirmed that European integration remains Georgia’s primary foreign policy goal. She expressed concern that political speculations surrounding this crucial issue have led to increased polarization within the country, highlighting the potential risks this poses to Georgia’s stability and security.

“Despite the most difficult security environment, Georgia has managed to achieve significant transformation and visible progress in terms of democratic and economic development. This fact is duly attested by reputable international rankings and reports.

Georgia’s key foreign policy priority is European integration. Regretfully, political speculations on this vital issue have become the source for polarization and form an additional threat to the country’s stability and security.

Using this opportunity, I would like, once again, clearly state that the current government of Georgia is the one who created the solid foundation for the irreversibility of Georgia’s European future and remains firmly faithful to the commitments related to European integration. Since the European Union has not yet made a decision on opening accession negotiations with Georgia, claims that the Georgian government suspended negotiations with the EU are not correct.

Today, as the EU candidate country, we are fully aware of the importance of the political decisions of the European Union and expect the EU accession process will be used for the dialogue and real integration, Botchorishvili said.

Georgian Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to the OSCE for observing the parliamentary elections in Georgia. Botchorishvili noted that despite the participation of 2 million Georgian citizens and the presence of an unprecedented number of international and domestic observers, speculations regarding the elections persist.

“I take this opportunity to thank OSCE for observing the parliamentary elections by the invitation of the Government of Georgia. Unfortunately, despite the fact that more than 2 million Georgian citizens have made their choice in the presence of an unprecedentedly large number of international and local observers, speculations related to the elections don’t stop.

We also see the attempts by some actors to diminish the role and importance of the OSCE/ODHIR work and assessments. These actions are used to create an artificial political crisis in Georgia that leads to destabilization. We believe that the final report of the OSCE/ODIHR based on objective assessments, will allow us to continue work and cooperation on implementation of its recommendations,” the Minister stated.