Georgian FM, OSCE chair discuss situation along occupation line
Miroslav Lajčák (centre) first visited Georgia as OSCE Chairperson in February 2019. Photo: Miroslav Lajčák/Twitter
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The Chair of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák, met with the Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani earlier today.
Before heading back to Bratislava, I had the chance to sit down with my Georgian counterpart David Zalkaliani. We spoke about the Slovak @OSCE Chairmanship, regional developments, EU, NATO and our bilateral relations. pic.twitter.com/UF1Y0PeQJR
— Miroslav Lajčák (@MiroslavLajcak) September 10, 2019
Particular attention was paid to the recent developments in two Russian occupied regions of Georgia: Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).
Glad to host my friend Miroslav Lajčák! At the meeting we exchanged views over the existing situation in Georgia’s occupied territories. We Greatly appreciate his support. @MiroslavLajcak pic.twitter.com/CyD2trqeCN
— David Zalkaliani (@DZalkaliani) September 10, 2019
Minister Zalkaliani briefed Lajčák about the illegal activities of occupation forces in the villages of Gugutiantkari and Chorchana.
The Georgian and Slovak officials also condemned the decision of the occupied Tskhinvali to close two crossing points, connecting the region with the rest of Georgia.
Just arrived in Tbilisi & heard abt recent developments in #Georgia from Pres. Zurabišvili. We agreed that engaging in dialogue, making full use of platforms such as #GID & #IPRM, and ensuring freedom of movement, are key to improving the situation for people affected by conflict pic.twitter.com/nzRJuW48bQ
— Miroslav Lajčák (@MiroslavLajcak) September 9, 2019
During his visit to Georgia, the OSCE chair met with President Salome Zurabishvili as well. Earlier he addressed the participants of the 5th Tbilisi International Conference.
“Be part of the solution, not the problem. You are already a frontrunner in our Eastern Partnership.” - my advice to #Georgia on how to advance in its European aspirations” - at #TbilisiConf pic.twitter.com/QiKeT4W0la
— Miroslav Lajčák (@MiroslavLajcak) September 10, 2019
Organised by the McCain Institute for International Leadership and the Economic Policy Research Center, Tbilisi International Conference brings together international leaders, security experts, Georgian policymakers, civil society activists, and the business community to discuss Georgia's transatlantic agenda and the country's progress.
The leader of the Alliance of Patriots parliamentary opposition party Irma Inashvili, who also serves as vice parliament speaker, broke into a conference hall at Tbilisi Rooms Hotel earlier today during the 5th Tbilisi International Conference, giving rise to verbal disputes and tension.
The new PM of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia has held his first official meeting with acting US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip Reeker in Tbilisi earlier today, stating that the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration and further strengthening of relations with the US are the major goals of the new cabinet.
Foreign diplomats and experts, attending the fifth Tbilisi International Conference- Now What?, have visited the occupation line in the village of Odzisi before the opening of the two-day conference earlier today.It is possible to see the Russian base located in the village of Akhmaji from Odzisi.
Former Secretary General of NATO Anders Fogh Rasmussen has vowed firm support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration while meeting with the new prime minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia.
Former Secretary General of NATO Anders Fogh Rasmussen says that it is time Georgia start discussions on whether or not to join the alliance with its 5th article on collective defence covering only the Tbilisi-administered territory.
The US Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus has responded to Russia’s most recent illegal activities at the occupation line in Georgia and called on the country to suspend its illegal occupation of Georgian territories.
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia spoke of the recent developments along the occupation line between Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region and the rest of Georgia with the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar yesterday.