North Macedonian FM: OSCE supports “all pragmatic efforts” for communities in Georgia affected by conflicts

Bujar Osmani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia on an official visit to Georgia, on Monday said the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe supported “all pragmatic efforts” bringing “real results” for communities affected by conflicts on the territory of the country.

Answering press questions with his Georgian counterpart Ilia Darchiashvili, the visiting official - whose country currently presides over the OSCE - noted the organisation was needed “more than ever”.

North Macedonia took over the chairmanship of the OSCE when the war returned to the region - Russia's aggression against Ukraine undermined the foundations, values and commitments of our organisation, which has been building peace for decades”, Osmani said.

“We have a goal of peaceful, comprehensive settlement of conflicts in your country. We support all efforts that give positive dynamism to the implementation of previously agreed measures. We are identifying new directions for engagement, including vital structures such as the Geneva International Discussions and the Incident Prevention Response Mechanism”, he continued.

He also stressed his country fully supported the operation of the main directions under the joint leadership of the OSCE, UN and other organisations.

These diplomatic directions must be kept open not only to avoid further escalations, but also to resolve the aftermath of the 2008 conflict [between Russia and Georgia]. We support all pragmatic efforts that bring real results for those affected by conflicts, that matter for the people and for the improvement of the situation. [...] We will spare no effort to address issues, such as the [illegal] detention [of Georgian citizens along the occupation line] to support peace and humanitarian issues”, Osmani said.