Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze sharply criticized the resolution of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopted as part of the "Hague Declaration." The head of government described the document—which criticizes the state of democracy and human rights in Georgia—as something that "does not even merit an assessment," stating that it undermines trust in the international organization.
"This text does not even merit an assessment. Unfortunately, such documents weaken Georgian society's trust not only in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly but also in the OSCE as a whole. This is very regrettable. We see that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has stooped to the level of Joe Wilson. This is a truly tragic development. Naturally, we will draw the appropriate conclusions from this decision," Kobakhidze stated.
The resolution was adopted by a majority vote, despite objections from the Georgian delegation, whose representatives walked out of the meeting hall before the vote took place. The document was drafted by U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson. It calls for an investigation into potential irregularities during Georgia's parliamentary elections, the release of individuals whom the authors consider political prisoners, and the abandonment of laws that the resolution's drafters believe restrict political and civil liberties.
Kobakhidze’s statements come amidst mounting criticism of the Georgian authorities by Western institutions. In recent months, the OSCE, the European Parliament, and other international bodies have repeatedly expressed concern regarding the state of democratic institutions, the electoral process, and civil liberties in the country. Official Tbilisi has consistently rejected these assessments, labeling them politically motivated. Following the adoption of the resolution, Joe Wilson welcomed the decision by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and stated that the issue of Georgia would likely be brought up for discussion again at the assembly's next annual session in Charleston, USA.
