OSCE Chairwoman Linde visits Georgia, discusses the situation in the occupied territories

Chairwoman of the OSCE and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ann Linde, visited Georgia on February 16. She has met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, David Zalkaliani, as well as with the representatives of the country’s civil society, and expressed OSCE’s “strong support” for Georgia’s efforts in resolving conflicts and strengthening institutions.

Linde stated that the peaceful resolution of the conflict between Russia and Georgia is one of the priorities for the Swedish chairmanship of the OSCE. In a meeting with Chairwoman Linde, Zalkaliani reinstated that Russian aggression threatens not only Georgia but the whole of Europe too. FMs have also discussed Russia’s most recent “provocative actions” including the unlawful arrests and detention of multiple Georgian citizens who, allegedly, crossed the border illegally.

Linde has also met Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia with whom she discussed and democratic reforms within the country. PM Gakharia noted that the government of Georgia is ready to maintain a close partnership with Sweden while it takes over the chairmanship of the OSCE. Provocation on the Russian side has once again been noted, as well as the scarce humanitarian conditions witnessed within the occupied regions of Georgia, as the local residents living close by the line of occupation often get arrested by the Russian forces. Gakharia also brought up the unlawful arrest, detention, and recent sentencing of a Georgian citizen Zaza Gakheladze who has recently received a verdict from a de-facto court in Tskhinvali.

Politicians also discussed the importance of the effectiveness of the international negotiations as well as the way in which the international community responds to various incidents. Once again, Linde reaffirmed OSCE’s support for Georgia’s desire for peaceful conflict resolution as well as its democratic institutions. Linde underlined the crucial role of the ongoing democratic processes in the country that are aimed at strengthening some of Georgia’s most important institutions.

Linde’s previous visit to Georgia took place in November last year when she expressed her support for the respect for human rights and the rule of law “which are primary advantages for EU approximation– a European future for Georgia” that Sweden fully supported.