OSCE PA delegation meets Georgian President Margvelashvili, senior officials on domestic and regional issues

TBILISI, 26 January 2016 – A senior delegation from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly met in Tbilisi today with Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze and parliamentary leaders for discussions on political developments in the country and the region.
 
The delegation was part of a larger regional visit in the South Caucasus and was led by Deputy Head of the Bulgarian Delegation to the OSCE PA Kristian Vigenin and OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella.
 
“We welcome the constructive approach of Georgia’s leaders to the issues facing the country and the wider region. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is steadfast in supporting Georgia’s territorial integrity and we encourage continued engagement through the Geneva International Discussions in the interests of all Georgian citizens,” Vigenin said.

Delegation members also discussed Georgia’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for this autumn, and electoral reform initiatives under way.

“The OSCE has long supported Georgia in its development process, and we will continue to do so as the country continues to pursue reforms. As Georgia moves into election season, we call for a constructive and inclusive approach by all political forces. We take note of the government’s efforts to engage with a range of political actors and civil society,” Vigenin said.

“We appreciate the welcoming and open approach that the government and all of our interlocutors had toward international observers for the upcoming vote,” Secretary General Montella added.
 
The delegation expressed gratitude to Georgia for hosting the Assembly’s 2016 Annual Session, scheduled for 1-5 July. 
 
Secretary General Montella, on behalf of OSCE PA President Ilkka Kanerva (MP, Finland), will join Georgian Parliament Speaker David Usupashvili on 27 January to sign the official agreement on hosting the Session.
 
President Kanerva, who was scheduled to visit Georgia this week, was forced to cancel his participation due to illness.
 
The delegation also met with members of the NGONGO
non-governmental organization community in Tbilisi on 26 January.