Addressing the Heads of Foreign Diplomatic Representations of Georgia the First Deputy State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Mrs. Ketevan Tsikhelashvili discussed the peaceful policy, its consequences and future vision.
In her speech, Mrs. Tsikhelashvili highlighted the need for continued confidence building projects and current situation in the occupied territories of Georgia.
“In parallel with our de-occupation goals, the key objective is to build trust between Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-Ossetian relations. We already took serious steps in this direction, however we need to offer increased benefits to the residents of occupied territories, we need to intensify confidence building projects through the support of our partners.
Russia continues to occupy and de-facto annex Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region, posing further humanitarian and security-related challenges for the IDPs, those who live in the occupied territories and elsewhere in its vicinity,” - Mrs. Ketevan Tsikhelashvili declared.
Conversation also dealt with the activity of Working Group on Humanitarian Issues at Geneva International Discussions, chaired by the First Deputy State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Mrs. Ketevan Tsikhelashvili.
According to the First Deputy State Minister, the return of IDPs remains central topic for the Working Group on Humanitarian Issues. Other topics like the issues of human rights and restrictions on freedom of movement and education into native language remain challenging as well.
“Unfortunately we see the issue of IDPs used for political manipulation on the other side; nevertheless, the topic is crucial and we keep working to enable the people return to their homes in a dignified conditions. We managed to have a solid standing on our European path. We maintain stability and keep a track to our economic development, as a transit country; this creates new opportunities for us to reach out to the residents of occupied territories. All of these actions are a key to the peaceful settlement of conflicts,” – Mrs. Ketevan Tsikhelashvili declared.
In her speech the First Deputy State Minister also reflected on increased incentives for the residents of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions towards the rest of Georgia, particularly in the areas of healthcare, trade and education.