State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality made a report on the activity of State Minister’s Office before the Members of Parliament. Mr. Paata Zakareishvili delivered a speech on the joint session of the Interim Commission on Territorial Integrity, Foreign Relations Committee, Committees on European Integration and Diaspora & Caucasus Issues.
Addressing the MPs and representatives of NGOs, the Minister reviewed current developments of conflict settlement process, underlying challenges and future prospects, stressing that the Government of Georgia pursues a peaceful policy, which rules out any kind of confrontation.
“Through last three years, we do not have any person died amid the armed hostilities, any recent IDP or lost control on either of the cities or villages,” – Mr. Paata Zakareishvili declared.
Mr. Zakareishvili provided information on the activity of Temporary Commission for the needs of villages near the dividing line, noting the Commission aims not only to sustain the local population, but to enable the return of families as well.
State Minister also focused on the restoration of bilateral relations with Abkhazian and Ossetian sides, noting that such relations with Abkhaz side are already restored.
“Improved awareness for Georgian state within Abkhazian and Ossetian societies is clearly perceivable. Much of them trust Georgia and the number of people traveling from occupied territories to the rest of Georgia for healthcare, academic or entrepreneur purposes and leisure has significantly increased,” – the State Minister declared.
Mr. Zakareishvili also responded the questions of session participants addressing the current situation in Gali district, cases of arrests along the dividing line, the interest towards Georgia’s European integration process among the Abkhazian and Ossetian societies, etc.