During a joint press conference with Georgian Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Maka Botchorishvili, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen emphasized that her visit to Georgia is centered on engaging with civil society—a cornerstone of any functioning democracy.

“It is so important that in any democracy, people are given a choice,” Valtonen said, underlining the critical role of civil society in upholding democratic values.

Valtonen reaffirmed the OSCE’s appreciation for Georgia’s continued participation in the Geneva International Discussions (GID) and the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), which she described as essential for managing tensions and fostering dialogue on border-related issues. She also highlighted areas for further cooperation, such as climate adaptation and efficient border use, noting that the OSCE stands ready to collaborate with the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) to support peacebuilding efforts.

Reconciliation and addressing past conflicts, Valtonen added, are crucial steps toward long-term peace. She stressed the importance of inclusive mediation, particularly involving civil society in conflict resolution processes.

Turning to recent domestic developments, Valtonen expressed deep concern over legislative measures seen as restricting the space for NGOs, media, and political opposition in Georgia. She condemned the freezing of NGO accounts and the arrests of opposition leaders, urging fair and proportionate legal proceedings for those detained while exercising their fundamental rights.

“Civil society is not a threat to stability—on the contrary, it strengthens democracy,” she said. “NGOs, journalists, and human rights defenders are vital for resilience. Their voices must be protected.”

Valtonen reiterated that the OSCE operates on the foundational principles outlined in the Helsinki Final Act, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and human rights—all of which apply fully to Georgia and its people.

In closing, she urged the Georgian government to find a path out of the current political crisis and to rebuild public trust in its democratic institutions.

“The OSCE and its autonomous institutions are ready to support Georgia in upholding the fundamental freedoms and rule of law as outlined in our shared commitments,” Valtonen stated.