Reconciliation minister commends gov’t policy to restore “harmonious coexistence” with Abkhaz, Ossetian compatriots
Tea Akhvlediani, the Georgian state minister for reconciliation and civil equality, on Thursday reiterated the government had plans to reintegrate the country’s occupied regions “only peacefully”. Photo: reconciliation ministry press office
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Tea Akhvlediani, the Georgian state minister for reconciliation and civil equality, on Thursday commended the government policy and its “peaceful efforts” to ensure “maximum support” for the conflict-affected population in the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) and restore “harmonious coexistence” with Abkhaz and Ossetian compatriots.
Akhvlediani made the remark as part of her address at an event dedicated to the theme of youth in peacebuilding - hosted to coincide with the international day of peace - where the minister also stressed the role of young generations in peaceful resolution of conflicts.
She also handed an award established last year to encourage youth in civic activity to Nika Badzaghua, a student from Sokhumi state university, along with a ₾3,000 ($990) money prize, in recognition of his translations and literary work.
Rosemary DiCarlo, the United Nations under-secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, addressing the event attendees. Video: reconciliation ministry press office.
The event also saw a video address by Rosemary DiCarlo, the United Nations under-secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, who said engagement of youth in achieving sustainable development goals and building a “better, more peaceful world” was “crucial”.
Today and every day, we must celebrate the role of young people as powerful supporters of peace and active agents of change”, she said.
Akhvlediani’s office works on matters related to communities divided by conflicts in the two occupied regions that were recognised as independent states by Russia after its 2008 war with Georgia, with only Venezuela, Nikaragua, Nauru and Syria joining the move so far. The rest of the international community is unanimous in its agreement that the regions are integral parts of Georgia, and has called on Russia to withdraw its troops from the territories.