OSCE Secretary General Zannier, in Georgia, says Organization is committed to resolving regional conflicts through dialogue

“The Geneva International Discussions are and remain the only inclusive platform for dialogue,” said OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier during an official visit to Georgia on 8-11 March 2015.

He said the installation of fences along the Administrative Boundary Line is a troubling development, which has a negative impact on people’s lives and does not contribute to the reconciliation process.

“These dividing lines impede the free movement of people. On 9 March I visited the Tserovani settlement and spoke to families who have been and remain displaced. I urge all sides to act responsibly and to talk to each other constructively for the benefit of conflict-affected communities,” said Zannier.

He discussed with Georgian interlocutors the impact of the so-called ‘treaties on alliance and strategic partnership’ between Moscow, Sukhumi and Tskhinvali.

The OSCE Secretary General said he welcomed ‘responsible steps’ to investigate cases of missing persons, and praised the work done within the Ergneti Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM).

During the official visit, Zannier met Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Foreign Minister Tamar Beruchashvili, Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili, State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality Paata Zakareishvili, First Deputy State Minister on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Davit Dondua, and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for relations with the Russian Federation Zurab Abashidze. He also met representatives of political parties.