Prepared by Messenger Staff
De Facto Tskhinvali Authorities Reject Georgian PM's Remarks, Reaffirm Commitment to Russia
The so-called Ministry of Foreign Affairs of occupied Tskhinvali responded to a recent comment by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, stating that "South Ossetia aims to build an independent state and does not intend to change its development vector and aspiration to strengthen relations with its security guarantor - the Russian Federation."
According to the so-called ministry, the ideas expressed by official Tbilisi regarding the possibility of resolving relations are "unacceptable to 'South Ossetia'."
"Tskhinvali has repeatedly expressed its position, which is based on the choice of the people of South Ossetia, as outlined in the country's constitution. The lack of progress in international discussions on the issue of security guarantees for South Ossetia and Abkhazia, along with such statements, does not contribute to stability in the region," the statement said.
The comment came in response to a remark made by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in an interview with TV company Imedi, where he said: "Under a consistent policy and patience, any goal is achievable, including the restoration of Georgia's territorial integrity."
GYLA Responds to Georgian Dream's Proposed Law Amendments
The Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) has expressed concerns over the draft law registered in the parliament by the Georgian Dream party, which aims to amend the organic laws "On Political Unions of Citizens" and "On the Constitutional Court of Georgia."
According to GYLA, the goal of the proposed draft law is to eliminate political opposition, bolster recent rhetoric and propaganda, and ultimately create a one-party, authoritarian government.
"The changes contradict the principle of pluralistic democracy and disproportionately restrict the activities of not only existing but also newly established parties in the future. In addition, through vague legislative criteria and unrestricted interpretation by the Constitutional Court, which has political influences, the changes in the current political situation will lead to the weakening of opposition parties, the creation of artificial barriers to the formation of future political forces, and ultimately their abolition," the organization stated in a public statement.
GYLA also referenced the Venice Commission's stance on party bans, emphasizing that it views such measures as extreme and requiring caution. The organization further noted that high standards must be upheld when banning a party in democratic states, including decisions made by an impartial court, supported by appropriate justification, and free from political influence.
"It is clear that the initiative to abolish parties serves to clear the political field, remove opponents, and strengthen anti-democratic propaganda."
