EU, UN, OSCE Welcome Meeting of Georgian-Russian FMs

The high-ranking officials of the EU, UN and the OSCE have welcomed the first meeting between Georgian and Russian Foreign Ministers David Zalkaliani and Sergey Lavrov after the suspension of diplomatic ties since August 2008 War.

In their statements released in connection with the recent meeting held on September 26, in New York, in the sidelines of 74th UN General Assembly through the mediation of Switzerland, the EU, OSCE and the UN assessed the meeting as the possibility to a constructive dialogue and to ease tension in the relations of the two countries. 

“This meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, David Zalkaliani, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, was an important opportunity to discuss regional security issues, to lower tensions in Georgia-Russia relations, and to address the impact of these tensions on citizens, - it is said in the statement released by the EU office for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The statement by the EU says that dialogue is key for peaceful dispute settlement, which the European Union fully supports.

“Moving forward, it is important that all actors engage constructively to alleviate the situation of the conflict-affected population in Georgia. It is in this respect essential that their human rights, including freedom of movement, are fully respected. The European Union reiterates its firm support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders,” the statement reads.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the recent meeting between Georgian and Russian Foreign Ministers.

“The Secretary-General welcomes the 26 September meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Georgia and the Russian Federation, facilitated by Switzerland, on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Secretary-General appreciates Switzerland’s good offices role for this initiative. He hopes that it will contribute to overall peace and security in the region,” the UN chief’s spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement on Thursday.

OSCE Chairman Miroslav Lajcak tweeted that the meeting “shows there is hope that constructive dialogue can decrease tensions.” 

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By Ana Dumbadze