**OSCE Secretary General’s Visit to Georgia Raises Questions**
The recent visit of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Secretary General, Feridun Sinirlioğlu, to Georgia has sparked debate among politicians and analysts. Levan Sanikidze, a member of the “Unity – United National Movement,” shared his thoughts on the visit, expressing concerns that it may not be effective in achieving its intended goals.
**A Missed Opportunity?**
According to Sanikidze, the OSCE Secretary General’s meeting with Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili likely focused on defusing the country’s political crisis, holding new parliamentary elections, and releasing political prisoners. However, he believes that this approach may not be the most effective way to achieve these goals.
“It would have been better if this visit had not happened,” Sanikidze stated. “Representatives of such organizations typically come for negotiations, to once again attempt to bring the government back around.” He argued that by engaging with the Georgian Dream party in this manner, the West may be providing them with additional propaganda fodder.
**A Double Standard?**
Sanikidze also drew attention to the fact that the West has no qualms about talking to organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas when it suits their interests. “Why should we expect any different treatment for ‘Georgian Dream’?” he asked. By engaging with this party, Sanikidze suggested that the West may be inadvertently perpetuating the country’s political crisis.
**The Real Purpose of the Visit?**
While the OSCE Secretary General’s visit has been framed as an effort to support Georgia in its time of need, some analysts believe that there may be more at play. “It would have been better if this message had not been delivered to ‘Georgian Dream’ in this form,” Sanikidze repeated. Perhaps, he hinted, the real purpose of the visit is to pressure the Georgian government into canceling visa liberalization – a move that could have significant consequences for the country.
As the OSCE Secretary General continues his tour of Georgia, including meetings with top officials and a visit to a village near the occupation line, one question remains: what are the true intentions behind this visit? Will it lead to meaningful progress on key issues like parliamentary elections and political prisoners, or will it merely serve as a convenient excuse for inaction?
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