OSCE Chairman calls on Georgia to use opportunity presented by May elections

TBILISI, 27 February 2008 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva, called on Georgian leaders today to seize on the forthcoming parliamentary elections to demonstrate that the country is maturing towards a pluralistic democracy.

"The government and the opposition must continue a constructive dialogue. Improving the electoral system should be a joint effort," he said.

"The OSCE is here to support Georgia in its efforts to consolidate its democracy. The interim report from the Organization-led observation of the presidential elections shows you the way forward."

The Chairman said he welcomed the progress Georgia had made in its reform process in the past four years.

"It is crucial to strengthen the democratic institutions in the country and to keep this high on the government's agenda," he said. "The task is to translate the existing reforms into practical implementation on the ground."

Minister Kanerva also called for progress in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict settlement process and encouraged both sides to make full use of the existing negotiation format.

"Improving the security situation on the ground would be helpful to the process," he said. "Also, the Economic Rehabilitation Programme is already contributing to confidence-building between the sides. We encourage you to take advantage of this programme. Confidence-building is the key."

In addition, the Chairman said it was essential for Georgia to develop good relations with all its neighbours.

During his visit to Georgia, Minister Kanerva met officials including Foreign Minister David Bakradze, Reintegration Minister Temur Yakobashvili and Parliament Speaker Nino Burjanadze as well as representatives from political parties and non-governmental organizations.

The Chairman and his delegation, which includes OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Goran Lennmarker, will visit Azerbaijan on Thursday. The delegation visited Armenia on Tuesday.