UNM’s Pavlenishvili criticizes OSCE Secretary General’s understanding of situation in Georgia

“Our international friends must recognize the threat posed by Ivanishvili’s regime—not only to Georgia but to European security as a whole. When a dictatorship is being established and human rights are curtailed, representatives of all Western and international institutions must respond appropriately,” stated Irakli Pavlenishvili, a member of the United National Movement (UNM) party.

Pavlenishvili emphasized that the erosion of democratic systems into autocracies is a concern for everyone.

“The impression left by the OSCE Secretary General’s visit and his statements is that he lacks a comprehensive understanding of the situation in Georgia, and the gravity of this situation is significant not only for Georgia but for the entire international community.

The reality is that Ivanishvili’s regime cannot attain the recognition and legitimacy it seeks. Georgia has not experienced such a sanctioned and isolated government in its modern history. The OSCE/ODIHR report documented violations reported by the opposition and civil society. However, we are not merely discussing total electoral fraud; we are addressing a country that has declared a shift in its foreign policy, suspended its European integration efforts, and tortured individuals merely for analyzing the situation. It is crucial to be specific about these processes, as the electoral issues alone do not provide a full understanding,” he concluded.

OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu arrived in Georgia on April 22.