The State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Mr. Paata Zakareishvili met with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Ms. Astrid Thors.

The State Minister discussed the State Strategy on Civic Equality and Integration and its respective Action Plan with High Commissioner, focusing on opportunities and challenges with regard to the integration of minorities.

Mr. Zakareishvili delivered information to High Commissioner on current situation in occupied territories, including the restrictions on the freedom of movement and teaching of native language in Gali and Akhalgori districts.

The two sides discussed the conditions for the signature and ratification of the “European Charter on Regional and Minority Languages” – commitment Georgia has undertaken in 1999, upon its accession to the Council of Europe.

The State Minister expressed his gratitude to Ms. Thors for the expertise the OSCE High Commissioner’s Office has provided in the process of elaboration of the “State Strategy on Civic Integration and its respective Action Plan.”