Reconciliation Minister discusses humanitarian, security situation in occupied regions with high-ranking US officials
The Reconciliation Ministry said Akhvlediani had particularly focused on erection of barbed wire fences and other barriers along the administrative boundary marking the occupation line, in addition to restrictions on free movement and the cases of illegal detention. Photo: smr.gov.ge.
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The security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Georgia’s Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) on the backdrop of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine were in focus of a meeting between Tea Akhvlediani, Georgia’s State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality and a group of United States officials Anne Witkowsky, the Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stablisation Operations, and Leslie Ziman, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration in the Department of State on Friday.
The Reconciliation Ministry said Akhvlediani had particularly focused on erection of barbed wire fences and other barriers along the administrative boundary marking the occupation line, in addition to restrictions on free movement and the cases of illegal detention.
She also stressed the need to continue intensive efforts by international partners, including the US, in order to overcome the artificial isolation and humanitarian crisis created in central Georgia’s Akhalgori District, located near the line, as a result of the closure of the line's crossing points by the de facto authorities of the occupied region.
Photo: smr.gov.ge.
Akhvlediani briefed the US diplomats on the process of strategic review of the state policy of engagement, which is being carried out with public and international involvement, with the aim of deepening dialogue and restoring trust between the conflict-affected communities and creating a "better future" for the people living in the occupied Tskhinvali region.
In addition to the meeting with the US delegation, Akhvlediani took part in and addressed the audience at an event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Georgia and the US.
In her address at the occasion, Akhvlediani stressed the role and support of the US in building Georgia’s democratic state, achieving European and Euro-Atlantic integration, economic development, security and stability.