The State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Mrs. Ketevan Tsikhelashvili has met with the participants of International Animation Film Festival in village Nikozi, Gori municipality.
The State Minister delivered welcoming remarks at the festival, noting that cultural arrangements are increasingly important in a view of the occupation line, which runs few meters away.
“This is a special festival, as occupying troops are stationed few meters away against the backdrop of barbed wires, as a sad reality since 2008. Similar to Nikozi, thousands of families in other villages are affected by barbed wires. Therefore, continued occupation remains hard challenge for the residents on both sides of the divide each day. What is happening today indeed symbolize our peaceful policy. We counter horrible efforts of separating the people (that affects them on both sides of the artificial barriers) through development, freedom, creativity, increased attractions and cultural events like the International Festival,” – Mrs. Ketevan Tsikhelashvili declared.
The State Minister extended her gratitude and best wishes to the organizers of the festival and Priest Isaia.
Today also, the Minister of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia Mr. Mikheil Giorgadze met with the festival participants. The International Animation Film Festival started on 1st Septembers and reached its culmination today through jubilant conclusion.