**Georgian Opposition Refuses to Meet with OSCE Secretary General**
In a surprising move, the leadership of the “Coalition for Change” has declined an invitation to meet with the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). According to Maia Kopaleishvili, one of the leaders of the coalition, this decision was made because the OSCE Secretary General failed to address the ongoing crisis in Georgia during his previous meetings with Georgian Dream representatives.
“We expect consistency and fairness from international organizations,” Kopaleishvili said in an interview on PalitraNews. “The Secretary General’s visit did not aim to solve any problems or bring about change, but rather seemed like a mere formality.”
**A Consistency of Principle**
Kopaleishvili emphasized that the coalition is committed to maintaining its principles and expects the same from international organizations. She noted that while the OSCE has previously criticized the October 26 elections as being rigged, the Secretary General failed to mention this during his meetings with Georgian Dream.
“We are not against the opposition,” Kopaleishvili stated. “We are for the development of the state and the protection of human rights. That’s why we demand consistency from international organizations.”
**Repressive Laws in Georgia**
The coalition leader also spoke about recent legislative changes introduced by Georgian Dream, which have been described as repressive laws by activists. Kopaleishvili argued that such laws cannot instill fear in citizens, but rather lead to their adaptation and overcoming.
“When a law is adopted not for prevention but for punishment,” Kopaleishvili noted, “it cannot create the desired effect. In this case, the fines imposed are completely disproportionate to the actions. Those fined were acting within the bounds of freedom of expression.”
**The Call for Consistency**
Kopaleishvili’s message is clear: international organizations must be consistent and fair in their actions. The coalition leader believes that these steps should contribute to scheduling new elections, not working against it.
“We are committed to consistency,” Kopaleishvilli concluded. “We call on all international organizations to also be consistent and fair. Their actions should support the calling of new elections, not the opposite.”
**What’s Next?**
The OSCE Secretary General’s visit has left many in Georgia wondering what this means for the country’s future. The decision by the “Coalition for Change” to decline an invitation to meet with him highlights the ongoing crisis and the need for international organizations to take a more proactive role in addressing these issues.
Only time will tell how this situation will unfold, but one thing is clear: the people of Georgia are demanding consistency and fairness from their leaders.
