Mr. Chair,
We note with serious concern the reports of unrest and use of force in the immediate
aftermath of the recent local elections, and reiterate our call on all sides to reject any violence.
The elections were held amid credible accusations of restrictions on civil society, media and
opposition participation. Regrettably, the OSCE/ODIHR was not issued a timely invitation
to observe the elections, and their recommendations remained unaddressed.
Norway condemns any repression of peaceful dissent, particularly noting the arbitrary
arrests of peaceful protesters and opposition leaders since the parliamentary elections in
2024 and supports statements by ODIHR urging Georgian authorities to adhere fully to their
OSCE human rights commitments.
Norway calls on Georgian authorities to respect the fundamental rights of assembly and
expression, to halt arrests of peaceful protesters, and to release all those arbitrarily detained.
We urge the Georgian Dream authorities to cease any agenda to ban opposition parties,
which would mark a further step toward autocracy.
Norway stands ready to support inclusive dialogue, democratic reform, and monitoring of
future elections.
Thank you.