Kobakhidze Cancels Meeting with OSCE Chair Over Involvement in Protest

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has called off his scheduled meeting with Elina Valtonen, the Acting Chairperson of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Finland’s Foreign Minister, who is currently on an official visit to Georgia.

The statement released by the Georgian government states that the decision followed Valtonen’s participation in what authorities described as an ‘illegal rally’ held in Tbilisi. The statement added that the cancellation was also prompted by ‘false statements’ made by the Finnish diplomat, The Caspian Post reports citing Georgia Today.

“Yesterday, due to participation in an illegal rally and making false statements, the Prime Minister canceled the scheduled meeting with the Finnish Foreign Minister,”the government’s statement reads.

On the previous day, Valtonen attended a protest near the Georgian Parliament where she spoke with demonstrators about the purpose and message of their rally. Participants later told reporters that discussions with the OSCE Chair focused on their demands and future plans.

Valtonen’s visit to Georgia was part of her regional tour in her capacity as the OSCE Acting Chairperson.