Chairperson of the Georgian Parliament’s Environment Protection and Natural Resources Committee, underlined Georgia’s unique position as a nation with the highest economic growth in Europe despite 20% of its territory remaining under Russian occupation.

In her address at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly session, Maia Bitadze noted that at a time when war was reshaping the region - from Ukraine to the Middle East - Georgia stood as a rare case of peace preserved under pressure.

“Disinformation and external manipulation, interference in Georgia’s domestic affairs - including in our democratic choices - does not support peace or democracy in OSCE region. It threatens both. Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, It is an honor to speak on behalf of Georgia - a country with highest economic growth in Europe, even as its 20% remains under Russian occupation.

At a time when war is reshaping our region - from Ukraine to the Middle East-— Georgia stands as a rare case of peace preserved under pressure. We are not free from threats, but we have chosen stability over chaos, institutions over populism, and long-term vision over short-term provocation.

Preserving peace it is vital not only for Georgia, but for the entire Black Sea region. This is why the OSCE matters and undermining its role - through politicized observation or selective criticism - is not just unfair to Georgia. It challenges the very principles of the Helsinki Final Act and collective security. Calling for new elections in Georgia - despite a largely positive assessment by the OSCE observation mission - undermines the credibility of OSCE itself. Such statements echo the rhetoric of radical opposition forces rejected by the Georgian people and risk politicizing the OSCE’s vital role.

We urge you to respect OSCE mission’s findings and refrain from damaging public trust in international institutions. Recently, we have seen attempts to apply criticism to Georgia using standards that many Western countries themselves use to safeguard their sovereignty and institutions. What is called a crime in CANADA, BRITAIN or the SWEDEN cannot be rebranded as political persecution in Georgia. That’s not just double standards - it’s pure cynicism. It undermines international law and weakens public trust in global partnerships. Disinformation and external manipulation, interference in Georgia’s domestic affairs - including in our democratic choices - does not support peace or democracy in OSCE region. It threatens both. We ask for respect for our sovereignty, peace, and international law”, - said Maia Bitadze.