Finnish FM Fined in Georgia; Meeting with PM Canceled Amid Protest Participation

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs fined OSCE Chairperson and Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen 5,000 lari (~$1,800) for illegally blocking a road during a protest, local media reported, citing the ministry, Orda.kz reports, citing LigaNet.

Valtonen was in Georgia from October 14–15 on an official visit, during which she was due to meet with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, among others. After her participation in a rally, the Georgian government announced that the meeting had been canceled, according to OC Media.

The Georgian Foreign Ministry expressed concern over Valtonen’s interactions with protesters, arguing her actions “are incompatible with universally recognized principles of international law, including respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.”

Valtonen herself said she invited Kobakhidze to Finland to “meet with free press and observe any demonstration of his choice.” 

As for the cancelation of the meeting, OC Media notes that both Kobakhidze and Valtonen later claimed to have canceled it, leaving ambiguity over who formally called it off.