The parliamentary discussions of the Georgian government's peace initiative "A Step for a Better Future" started. The package of legislative changes, which was approved by the Georgian government on 4 April, was discussed in three committees of Parliament.

In the Committee on Education, Science and Culture the package of legislative changes was presented by the First Deputy State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Lasha Darsalia.

Later the issue was discussed at the Legal Issues Committee, where the State Minister Ketevan Tsikhelashvili introduced the details of the initiative.

As she said, the support of the Parliament is very important for the implementation of new initiative. According to the State Minister, on this initiative, the Georgian government is taking a new, effective step in reconciliation and engagement peacekeeping policies.

"The presented initiative and package are clearly constructive. It’s not directed against anyone. It covers the steps taken by the Georgian Government, society and the entire Georgian side and creates space for the participation of all interested actors, for dialogue and cooperation.

"Our declared and effective policy is to help people who have unsolved conflict for years are as a daily challenge. To improve situation both in humanitarian and socio-economic terms and thus create a basis for encouraging cooperation, dialogue, communication etc.

"We had a number of consultations – also with people living on the other side of the dividing line - before the announcement of this initiative and I know that the proposals presented in it reflect their rational interests and needs. Of course, considering the current political conjuncture it will not be easy, but we are ready to take coordinated steps. We have unprecedented high support from the partners and I am confident with the consistency, principle and constructive approach which once again revealed in this initiative, we will definitely achieve the result", - said Ketevan Tsikhelashvili.

The package of legislative amendments for peace initiatives implies three main directions: encouraging trade across dividing lines, accessing quality education and simplifying access to various benefits for Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region population.