Georgia: Georgian Minister of State for Reconciliation and Civil Equality Tea Akhvlediani reviewed the current priorities and future plans for both the activities of the Office of the State Minister for Reconciliation and Involvement, as well as for the policy of civic equality and integration.
The Minister of State stressed the importance of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s strong support for the peaceful settlement of the conflict and the resolutions in support of Georgia adopted in this regard.
The humanitarian situation in the occupied regions of Georgia, especially in Gali and Akhalgori, was discussed in detail at the meeting.
Discrimination against ethnic Georgians living in the district and other gross violations of the fundamental rights of locals – including education in the mother tongue, restriction of freedom of movement, access to the property, and illegal detention of Georgian citizens. In this regard, the State Minister stressed the importance of strengthening the further efforts of international partners.
Speaking on the implementation of reconciliation and engagement policies, Tea Akhvlediani briefed her European counterparts on the process and visions of the strategic policy review process, which will be based on new approaches, goals and priorities tailored to the interests and needs of the conflict-affected population.
The parties also discussed the role of women and youth in the peace process and ways to strengthen their involvement. Tea Akhvlediani introduced the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to the Office of the State Minister. Activities in this direction which is one of the priority directions of reconciliation and engagement policy.
The President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly praised the efforts of the Georgian side and promised further support to the Office of the State Minister.
The parties agreed to continue close cooperation.
“We discussed in detail with the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly the dire humanitarian situation in the occupied regions of Georgia and the gross violations of the fundamental rights of the local population. We also discussed the process of strategic review of state policy on reconciliation and engagement. “I would also like to note that we attach great importance to the role of the OSCE, including the Parliamentary Assembly, in the process of peaceful settlement of the conflict in Georgia, including the resolutions in support of Georgia,” the state Minister Tea Akhvlediani said.
