“I appreciate the open conversation with Georgian civil society on the conflicts in Georgia and South Caucasus, as well as women’s meaningful participation in peace processes.” – Ann Linde
Today, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia held a meeting with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde.
The conversation’s key topics included the situation in Georgia’s occupied territories, regional affairs, and ongoing democratic reforms.
Gakharia noted that the Government of Georgia is committed to continuing close cooperation with the Kingdom of Sweden, including through the OSCE Chairpersonship, with regional conflict resolution as one of the key priorities set by the Swedish side.
Special emphasis was placed on the provocative actions of Russia’s occupation forces and dire humanitarian situation in Georgia’s occupied territories, including detentions of Georgian citizens near the occupation line. The PM emphasized the grievous facts of Georgian citizen Zaza Gakheladze’s arrest by the occupation forces, and his unlawful sentencing to prison by Tskhinvali’s de facto court.
The conversation also touched upon the effective functioning and importance of the formats of the Geneva International Discussions and the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism. Linde reiterated the OSCE’s support for Georgia in conflict-resolution and institutional empowerment efforts.
The meeting also paid attention to the country’s implemented and ongoing democratic reforms, seeking to empower Georgia’s most vital institutions.
Earlier today, Linde met with Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani and the country’s civil society representatives.
“Grateful to my colleague and OSCE CEO Ann Linde for yet another visit to Georgia. Had an interesting exchange on issues of vital importance, including conflict resolution. It is pivotal that the issue of Georgia’s sovereignty & territorial integrity is to remain high on OSCE agenda,” David Zalkaliani wrote, later noting that the Russian occupation of Georgian territories poses security threats not only to Georgia but also to the whole of Europe.
“I appreciate the open conversation with Georgian civil society on the conflicts in Georgia and South Caucasus, as well as women’s meaningful participation in peace processes,” the OSCE Chair stated.
Linde is also scheduled to meet with the Georgian President, Parliament Speaker and State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality.
