Georgian FM accuses foreign powers of meddling in domestic politics

Georgia has become a “vivid example” of foreign interference in domestic political affairs, the country’s Foreign Minister, Maka Botchorishvili, said on Tuesday during a joint press conference with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu in Tbilisi.

In her comments, Botchorishvili also highlighted Tbilisi’s “growing concern” over what she described as “politically motivated pressure from external actors.”

“Georgia respects the independent institutions of the OSCE. We do not accept any attempts by some actors to use these institutions as political instruments for narrow political interests, against the sovereignty of the country,” she said.

The FM further warned against the “misuse of international platforms” to pursue geopolitical agendas, adding that such actions undermined the foundational principles of the international order. She also reiterated the government’s “commitment” to OSCE norms and international law.

“We often see attempts to misuse international institutions, which contradict the very fundamental principles on which the international order is based – principles that international organizations are supposed to protect,” she said.

Botchorishvili also pointed to Georgia’s ongoing cooperation with the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) “as evidence of the government’s openness.” She highlighted the invitation extended to ODIHR to observe last year’s parliamentary elections and emphasised the government’s readiness to implement the mission’s recommendations.

“The ODIHR recommendations are very important to us and we are ready to continue cooperation to implement them,” she concluded.