The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopted the Porto Declaration and resolutions at its Thursday plenary session.

The resolution on Supporting Democracy and OSCE Values in Georgia expresses “deep concern” over the conduct of the parliamentary elections in Georgia held on 26 October 2024, during which the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights observation mission found “numerous irregularities” in the electoral process.

The Assembly is “concerned” about violations of election procedures and “the unprecedented scale of administrative resources that undermine the principles of freedom and equality of the process, and the very result of the elections in Georgia.”

The Assembly:

“Condemning the disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters, who are standing firm for the European and democratic future of Georgia.

Disturbed by the arrests and politically motivated prosecution of journalists, activists and opposition politicians.

Stating disappointment that the Georgian authorities are using all means possible to consolidate their power by adopting new laws on “registration of foreign agents”, “radio and television” and “grants.”

Noting that the situation in Georgia continues to deteriorate, with authorities increasingly drifting away from the path of European integration.

Deeply concerned about growing anti-European Union (EU) rhetoric and finding it completely unacceptable.

Highly alarmed that strengthening ties with the Russian Federation and China raises concerns in the context of the declared European aspirations of Georgia.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly:

Calls on the Georgian authorities to:

a. de-escalate the situation and engage in a national dialogue with all stakeholders to find a way out of the current situation, and to restore public confidence in Georgian democracy;

b. respect the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, and refrain from using force against peaceful protesters, politicians and media representatives;

c. return to the path of integration with the EU;

Continues to support the pro-European aspirations of Georgian society, demonstrating a strong commitment to democratic values and seeing the future of their country in Europe;

Confirms its support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders;

Calls on the Russian Federation to reverse its recognition of the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions of Georgia as independent States, to implement the EU-mediated 2008 ceasefire agreement, and to end its militarization of these regions and its attempts to forcibly separate them from the rest of Georgia.”