The delegations of GUAM member states welcome the 17th consolidated report of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on the conflict in Georgia and stress the importance of keeping the issue high on the political agenda of the Council of Europe.
Human rights situation in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia remains alarming. Deprivation of life of Georgian citizen Archil Tatunashvili in Tskhinvali is clear evidence of that.
Another reason for our deep concern is the “borderization” and closure of the so called crossing points which further aggravates humanitarian and human rights situation in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia. Violation of human rights, including the right to free movement, the right to property, the rights to family life and the right to education in the native language occurs on a daily basis.
The delegations of GUAM member states reiterate their support to Georgia’s peaceful conflict resolution policy and underline the importance of progress in the Geneva International Discussions, the necessity of implementation of the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire agreement and ensuring the safe and dignified return of IDPS and refugees. The delegations of GUAM member states welcome the new initiative of the Government of Georgia aimed at facilitating reconciliation and confidence-building through providing increased opportunities for trade, mobility, improved livelihoods, and access to education.
The delegations of GUAM member states reaffirm their support to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.
18 April 2018, Committee of the Ministers’ Deputies of the Council of Europe
