OSCE delegation urges political dialogue, unity during visit to Georgia

A high-level delegation from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, led by President Pere Joan Pons of Spain, concluded a multi-day visit to Georgia on March 10, calling for greater political dialogue and urging leaders to address deep polarisation in the country.

During the visit, the delegation met with top government officials, opposition leaders, civil society representatives, and members of the diplomatic community. They also visited the Administrative Boundary Line and spoke with internally displaced persons affected by the ongoing occupation of parts of Georgia, Caliber.Az reports via the statement shared by the assembly. 

President Pons said the visit highlighted both the strengths and challenges in Georgian politics. He noted that while many politicians were active in communicating with international partners, they were not engaging effectively with each other. He urged all sides to “engage constructively and to begin direct communication aimed at restoring dialogue,” emphasising that the government has a “special responsibility” in this process.

The delegation also expressed concern over "severe political polarisation," which they warned could impede Georgia’s European integration aspirations. Luis Graca, OSCE Special Representative on the South Caucasus, said the use of violence against state institutions was unacceptable and stressed that political change should occur “through the ballot box and through policy-making bodies, not through violence aimed at overthrowing them.”

Baroness Christine Blower added that resolving Georgia’s political challenges was ultimately the responsibility of Georgian leaders and citizens, urging “responsible steps to de-escalate the political scene and get back to actual political dialogue.”

The OSCE delegation further criticised attempts by ruling party members to seek bans on certain opposition parties, warning that such measures could exacerbate divisions and undermine political stability. Jevrosima Pejovic, another delegation member, called for politics to take place within institutional frameworks rather than through boycotts or extra-parliamentary activity.

By Sabina Mammadli