Another peacekeeping message was left by Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe Gabriela Batain-Dragon, with who, the Minister of State for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, had a meeting today.

Throughout the meeting the situation regarding the occupied territories was deliberated. The discussion also touched upon Georgia's peacekeeping and engagement policy as well as, the new peace initiative "Step for a Better Future".

Ketevan Tsikhelashvili pointed out the importance of the meeting and noted that, the Office of the State Minister has the distinctive cooperation with the Council of Europe in the direction of peaceful settlement of the conflict and civil integration.

‘’I once again emphasize the importance of projects that build trust and promotes confidence among the barred communities and what the Council of Europe has been successfully implementing for years. We talked about a new peace plan, which the Georgian government is currently working on.’’

"We also talked about the Secretary General's report, that is one of the most valuable sources for the international community to retrieve information regarding the situation within the occupied territories, so as, to pursue policies that are necessary for improving the current humanitarian and security situation and peaceful resolution of the conflict, - said Ketevan Tsikhelashvili.’’

At the meeting, it was agreed to continue and deepen future cooperation. According to the State Minister, the Council of Europe fully understands the importance of constructive, pragmatic, peace and human well-being and initiatives that are being implemented by the Government of Georgia.

"It has not only local significance but also a broad, regional dimension, as unfortunately the unsolved conflict is not just a problem of Georgia. These problems are also, concern of our neighbors and of course there is a common factor here - Russia, which has a strategy of unresolved conflicts in the neighborhood. But the confrontation can only be done peacefully, unitedly and with very specific steps that the Council supports, "- added Ketevan Tsikhelashvili.