“The unrelenting instances of systemic malevolence, fostered by the Russian-backed separatist regime, further aggravate the situation in Georgia’s occupied regions,” Levan Makhashvili, Chairman of the Parliament’s European Integration Committee and member of the Georgian Permanent Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, made this statement at the plenary session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

“Georgian people are hauntingly familiar with the hardships. Over the years, Georgians have endured wars, devastations, forced displacements and countless perils – culminating in the occupation of our two regions – Abkhazia and Tskhinvali – which regrettably remains unsolved to this day, while the unrelenting instances of systemic malevolence fostered by the Russian-backed separatist regime further aggravates the situation on the ground: Children living in the occupied territories are barred from receiving an education in Georgian language. Numerous Georgian churches, including those of medieval origin, have been subjected to whitewashing, plastering and other forms of alteration – acts that amount to an intentional erasure of Georgian cultural and religious heritage,” Makhashvili stated.

According to the MP, this systemic malevolence is further exacerbated by abductions and illegal detentions of Georgian citizens by the occupying forces with alarming frequency.

“In doing so, the occupational regime aims to exert its influence over the past, present and future of our country and regions.

I would like to remind all attendees that the illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali by the Russian Federation constitutes a violation of international law and the territorial integrity of Georgia.

We hereby reaffirm our commitment to pursuing all diplomatic avenues necessary to achieve a just and peaceful resolution to this issue and restore our territorial integrity within our internationally recognised borders,” Makhashvili emphasised.

A member of the Georgian Permanent Delegation to the OSCE PA also said that, unlike certain countries and international organisations, Georgia moves beyond futile rhetoric and takes concrete steps towards regional peace.

“It is worth noting that, unlike certain countries and international organisations, Georgia moves beyond futile rhetoric and takes concrete steps towards regional peace. For instance, we have actively mediated between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We express our sincere gratitude to our Armenian and Azerbaijani friends for their wise decisions and constructive engagement, especially amid the ongoing major geopolitical tensions. Peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus are a vital pillar of regional security, both locally and on a broader scale,” Makhashvili concluded.