“I would like to congratulate the Yezidis of Georgia on the New Year - Kloch Sarah Sale. This is important day, which symbolizes the beginning of spring, a revival, perseverance and faith. Hope, this holiday will bring peace, joy, happiness and luck to your families”, - said the State Minister.  

The co-facilitators reiterated their serious worries regarding the deepening socio-economic hardships of the conflict-affected population, which stem from the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of the so-called crossing points.  

Tea Akhvlediani noted the importance of the USAID’s support for conflict-affected populations and ethnic minorities, and expressed appreciation for the Agency’s assistance to the population living in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali during the pandemic, as well as for ethnic minorities. At the same time, the State Minister stressed the important role of the organization in the process of peaceful settlement of the conflict and the confidence building, as well as in the fight against misinformation and propaganda.  

At the meeting, the State Minister briefed the Hungarian diplomat on the priorities of the Office, the results achieved and the current challenges in the implementation of the policy of reconciliation and involvement, as well as civic equality and integration.  

“First of all, on behalf of the government of Georgia, I would like to express my concern over the recent fires in the occupied Abkhazia region, which, according to our information, have caused serious damage to the local population and the environment.  

The first activity took place in Zugdidi. Tea Akhvlediani, the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, Levan Giorgadze, the Director of SOCAR Georgia Petroleum, MP Irakli Chikovani, and the Acting State Representative Malkhaz Toria attended the event.  

“We are ready to expand the platform of informal dialogue and cooperation based on common interests with the Abkhaz and Ossetian communities, as well as to discuss various humanitarian and human rights issues with depoliticized approaches and for the benefit of the population.  

The Georgian participants spoke extensively about Russia’s intensified provocations amid the Coronavirus pandemic, illegal militarization and regular military exercises in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, continuation of creeping occupation in the adjacent area of the Chorchana village, as well as erection of barbed wire fences and artificial barriers across the occupation line, which was assessed as an attempt towards destabilizing the situation on the ground.  

“I would like to congratulate every Jewish citizen and the Jewish people for Hanukkah holiday. This magnificent holiday is an important symbol of victory of justice over darkness, kindness over evil.