US, Germany, EU Support Georgia's Peace Initiative
The United States, the European Union and Germany support the peace initiative - Step toward a Better Future proposed by the Government of Georgia, which envisages improvement of the humanitarian, social and economic conditions of those living in Georgia’s Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).
“These measures help address the needs of the most vulnerable populations on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Lines and provide increased opportunity for mobility, improved livelihoods, and access to education,” the US Embassy in Tbilisi stated.
The statement goes on to note that the US welcomes Georgia’s commitment to dialogue and to a peaceful solution to the conflict.
“The United States reiterates its full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” the Embassy added.
The package of proposals set up by the Georgian government was also welcomed by the European Union.
“The package of proposals adopted today by the Government of Georgia can benefit citizens living on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Lines by facilitating trade, education and mobility,” the statement released by the spokesperson of Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, reads.
The statement released by the EU delegation in Georgia reads that these proposals are in line with the European Union's policy of engagement with the breakaway regions of Georgia, which includes several ongoing EU projects.
“We support initiatives aimed at building bridges across the dividing lines and addressing humanitarian challenges. We are looking forward to the discussions in the Parliament of Georgia and the final outcome of the process,” the statement says.
The statement ends with the EU reaffirming its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders and noting that it “remains firmly committed to conflict resolution and its policy of non-recognition and engagement in Georgia using all instruments at its disposal through a comprehensive approach.”
Heike Peitsch, Ambassador of Germany to Georgia, also released a statement regarding the issue, saying she supports the initiatives that promote the improvement of the living conditions of the people living on both sides of the administrative border.
“The Embassy will closely monitor the process of discussion of the package in Parliament,” her statement reads.
De facto Abkhazian Foreign Minister, Daur Kove claims Georgia’s initiative is “an action for its own political ambitions.”
“After exhausting all the resources of imposing pressure on Abkhazia, Georgia has once again decided to show the world something like friendship and to hide its true intentions behind these initiatives,” Kove said, and called on Official Tbilisi to stop pretending to have a friendly attitude towards the occupied region.
“Abkhazia is an independent, sovereign state. The only step towards its better future is recognition of the Republic of Abkhazia by Georgia and the establishment of a comprehensive inter-state dialogue between our countries for stability and development of future generations. This process does not have any alternative,” he stressed.
The Georgian package of legislative amendments on peacemaking incorporates three key directions: 1) Enhancing and simplifying trade along the boundary lines by creating new opportunities. 2) Creating additional opportunities for quality education and simplifying access at every level of education both in the country and abroad. 3) Creation of a mechanism simplifying access to the benefits and goods available to Georgia resulting from the country’s development, including European integration, visa waiver, free trade rights, and others.
The State Minister of Georgia for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili stated that the Government of Georgia is making an open and determined statement that its peaceful policy is unwavering.
“The top priority is peace, confidence-building between communities divided by the conflict, and taking care of the population, which is suffering from the gravity of the unresolved conflict,” the Minister underlined.
The peace initiative, a Step toward a Better Future, envisages amendments to nine legislative acts.
Thea Morrison