The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, responded to a question about the abolition of the administrative-territorial entity established on the territory of the former South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, emphasizing that: “The parties involved are Georgia and Russia. We are negotiating with Russia, which occupies Georgian territories, and the so-called administration has no influence over this matter.”

Papuashvili stressed that the term “South Ossetia” should not exist in official usage. He accused the “United National Movement” of betrayal when, in 2006–2007, they restored the borders of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast abolished in 1990, thereby creating the preconditions for occupation.

“At the time, the United National Movement committed a grave betrayal by organizing alternative separatist elections in the Tskhinvali region in 2006. They reintroduced the term ‘South Ossetian administration.’ Within our non-recognition policy, including dealings with foreign partners, we strive to use the term ‘Tskhinvali region.’ Yet the UNM indirectly reintroduced the term into the political and legal space. In 2007, through these separatist elections, encouraged and organized by the UNM, this administration was established. It was a path of escalation that ultimately led to war and the occupation of the Tskhinvali region by Russia.

This issue is reflected in the constitutional complaint we filed with the Constitutional Court. It is evidence of an action against Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The law adopted by the UNM in 2007 created a body called the administrative-territorial entity on the territory of the former South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, which is unconstitutional because such entities cannot exist. Simultaneously, it was an attempt to reintroduce the term ‘South Ossetia.’ The abolition of this law and administration serves to eliminate this issue,” Papuashvili stated.

For context, the ruling party “Georgian Dream” is abolishing the administrative-territorial entity established on the territory of the former South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast.

Papuashvili also clarified that the municipalities of Akhalgori, Kurt, Tighvi, and Eredvi will continue to function, as they were legally elected in accordance with the Constitution in 2006.