On 6 October 2021, the Georgian First Deputy Foreign Minister, Lasha Darsalia met with the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office for the South Caucasus, Co-Chair of the Geneva International Discussions, Annika Söder.
Discussions focused on the current security, human rights and humanitarian situation in the Russian-occupied territories of Georgia. Special attention was focused on serious human rights violations, including restrictions of free movement and illegal detentions, which weigh heavily on the conflict-affected population. The sides stressed the need for the immediate release of Georgian citizens detained by the occupation forces.
Particular attention was paid to the ongoing Geneva International Discussions. The sides highlighted the need to achieve tangible results in the Geneva process and the ways to use the format effectively.
The conversation also included the peaceful settlement of the conflict and the Georgian Government’s efforts to de-occupy the country, on the one hand, and on the other, to reconcile and engage with the communities living beyond the occupation line. Special accent, in this context, was put on the governmental commission established for the development and implementation of the state strategy for de-occupation and peaceful settlement of the conflict.
The sides also discussed the security environment in the South Caucasus. The First Deputy Foreign Minister reaffirmed Georgia's commitment to promote peace and cooperation in the region. The sides exchanged views over the possible ways to strengthen the OSCE’s involvement in the region.
The First Deputy Foreign Minister thanked the OSCE Special Representative for her efforts towards the peaceful settlement of the Russia-Georgia conflict and noted the importance of the OSCE’s and other co-chairing international organizations’ effective involvement in this process.
