CoE Committee of Ministers issues decission on conflict in Georgia

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE) adopted a decision on conflict in Georgia at its 1345th meeting of minister’s deputies in Strasbourg on May 2.

The deputy ministers reiterated CoE’s “unequivocal support” for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders.

More than ten years after the conflict between the Russian Federation and Georgia, the Russian Federation continues to impede the peaceful conflict resolution process and undermines the security and stability in the region”, they said.

The deputies further called on Russia “to stop and reverse this illegal process” and withdraw its military and security forces from the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).

Georgia, as the only sovereign State under international law over its regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, is still prevented from exercising the legitimate jurisdiction over these regions due to the continuous impediments put by the Russian Federation, including its continuing military presence therein”, they further stated.

Tskhinvali, a view from the village of Ergneti  close to the administrative boundary line. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

In its decision the Committee further condemned continuous installing of razor and barbed wire fences and other artificial obstacles along the administrative boundary lines:

• dividing families and communities,
• violating human rights and fundamental freedoms,
• impeding the settlement of the conflict involving two member States.

It also condemned human rights and security situation in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions affecting:

• the right to life,
• the right to freedom of movement,
• the right to property,
• the right to education in native language,
• the right to liberty and security.

Data Vanishvili's house was isolated from the rest of Khurvaleti village. He is not allowed to cross this barbed wire fence. If he does, he will be arrested. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Minister’s deputies expressed “grave concern over impunity around the deaths” of Georgian IDPs David Basharuli, Giga Otkhozoria and Archil Tatunashvili, as well as over the recent “arbitrary detention and death” of yet another Georgian citizen Irakli Kvaratskhelia under unclear circumstances.

They then welcomed the Government of Georgia’s new peace initiative “A Step to a Better Future” as well as its recent program “Produce for a Better Future”, which the deputy ministers believe is “a sign of Georgia’s firm commitment to promote reconciliation and engagement between the societies on both sides of the administrative boundary lines”.

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Georgia’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the decision of the Committee of Ministers and thanked the CoE member states for their unwavering support and cooperation.