Support to Georgia’s Peace Initiative
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Friday, April 6
German Embassy to Georgia and the EU representatives to the country believe that the government of Georgia has taken a reasonable step by pushing forward a new peace initiative to its people living on both sides of the occupation line.
German Ambassador to Georgia Heike Peitsch stated that it was a "brave and far-sighted” decision, when the Georgian government offered economic, trade, educational and other benefits to the people living under Russia’s occupation or at the occupation line.
“I welcome and support the initiative which will support to improve living conditions for the people living on both sides of the administrative line,” the ambassador said.
She stated that the German Embassy, representative of a country that was divided for 40 years, will observe the discussions about the initiative in the Georgian parliament.
Justin McKenzie Smith, the British Ambassador to Georgia, also Jos Douma, the Dutch Ambassador and the Swedish Ambassador to Georgia, Martina Quick, also supported the initiative of the Georgian government.
The EU delegation to Georgia stated that the package of proposals adopted on Wednesday by the government of Georgia can benefit the citizens living on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Lines by facilitating trade, education and mobility.
The EU delegation writes 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 EU statement reads and reaffirms EU support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The package of legislative amendments voiced by Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili on peace-making incorporates three key directions:
Enhancing and simplifying trade along the boundary lines by creating new opportunities, including encouraging joint business initiatives
Creating additional opportunities for quality education and simplifying access at every level of education both at home and abroad.
Implementing a mechanism simplifying access to the benefits available to Georgia, including European integration, visa waiver, free trade rights, and others.
The amendments need to be confirmed by parliament.
