Reconciliation Minister discusses plans for involvement, civic equality, integration policies with OSCE PA President

Existing priorities and future plans for reconciliation and involvement, as well as civic equality and integration were discussed in a meeting between Tea Akhvlediani, the Georgian State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality and Margareta Cederfelt, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, on Saturday.

Akhvlediani stressed the importance of the “strong” support of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly for the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Georgia, and the resolutions adopted in support of the country, the Office of the State Minister said.

The officials discussed the humanitarian situation in Georgia's Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) and focused on discrimination of ethnic Georgians living in the Gali and Akhalgori districts, as well as violations of fundamental rights of the local population, including restrictions on accessing property and receiving education in their native language, in addition to illegal detentions of citizens.

Speaking on the implementation of the reconciliation and engagement policies, Akhvlediani briefed the OSCE official on the process and visions of the strategic policy review process, which she said would 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. 

Both Akhvlediani and Cederfelt stressed the importance of strengthening “close” cooperation between Georgia and international partners, with Caderfelt reaffirming her support for the work of the State Minister’s Office.