Reconciliation Minister discusses peaceful resolution of conflicts in Georgia with OSCE Special Representative

Georgian Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality Tea Akhvlediani on Wednesday met Viorel Moșanu, the Special Representative of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe Chairman-in-Office for the South Caucasus, to discuss peaceful resolution of conflicts on the territory of Georgia. 

The Ministry said Akhvlediani highlighted the role and “active involvement” of the OSCE in the process. 

The officials discussed results of the 17th meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism, bringing together Georgian Government officials and de facto authorities in the country’s occupied regions, hosted in Ergneti in central Georgia this week.

• IPRM meeting reviews release of illegally detained Georgian citizens, developments along occupation line

The body said the meeting also discussed consequences of the illegal Russian occupation of the regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), and violations of the fundamental rights of the local population and “active efforts aimed at further artificial isolation” of the regions.

The meeting emphasised the need to protect the rights of the population affected by the conflicts, as well as “immediate humanitarian release” of illegally detained Georgian citizens and punishment of those responsible for violating their lives.

Akhvlediani informed the foreign diplomat about the progress and future visions for improving social and economic conditions of the populations affected by the conflict and “deepen the dialogue based on common interests and the restoration of trust” between the “artificially divided communities”.

On his part, Moșanu praised the efforts of the Georgian Government and promised “full support” in the peace process, the Ministry said.