According to Mr. Paata Zakareishvili the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, prisoners’ exchange between Georgian, Abkhazian and Ossetian sides is another step forward in confidence building between the sides.
“According to the agreement reached in frames of the peace process, 13 citizens of Georgia held in illegal custody for 6-7 years on the territory of Abkhazia and South Ossetia were handed over to us at Enguri Bridge, close to Dividing Line.
We find it principally important to put the old policy behind. 3 years is more than enough for Abkhazian, Ossetian sides, for international community to see our policy of peace clearly. This has been resulted in what we have seen on March 10.
We have started talks with Abkhazian and Ossetian sides on the release of our citizens since May 2015. Despite many difficulties, I am satisfied with the overall result. Everything turned out much better than I expected.
As far as you are concerned, de-facto authorities of Tskhinvali require the release of prisoners sentenced with Gori terrorist attack charges in 2005. These are Gigo Valishvili, Giorgi Zaseev and Joseb Kochiev, who have been sentenced with life imprisonment. Besides, we were asked to release the fourth person Boris Turashvili.
It should be noted, that the release of these persons was demanded solely by South Ossetian de-facto authorities, whereas Abkhazian side expressed goodwill to support the release of convicted persons.
There is Giorgi Lukava left in the prison of Abkhazia and the issue of his release will be handled by the international community.
Hereby, I would like to emphasize that during the negotiation process on the release of prisoners the Russian factor has not ever emerged, on any level. I have never had any contacts with any figure from Russia. The issue has not been discussed at Abashidze-Karasin meetings either,” – the State Minister declared to journalists.
On March 10, the release of prisoners took place under the peace process between Georgian, Abkhazian and Ossetian sides at Enguri Bridge, close to Dividing Line.
Prisoners’ release was handled through direct negotiations and agreement with de-facto authorities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Georgian side released the following prisoners: Gigo Valishvili, Giorgi Zaseev, Joseb Kochiev and Boris Turashvili. In return, under the agreement with Abkhazian and Ossetian sides, Abkhazian side released Omar Jgharkava, Jemiko Okujava, Malkhaz Rurua, Zurab Toradze, Shalva Khukhua, Eldar Tsaguria, Manuchar Shonia, Shedania-Aseeva Diana; Ossetian Side released Jemal Midelashvili, Gela Iluridze, Teimuraz Grigalashvili, Mikheil Kristesiashvili and Igor Pukhaev.