The EU welcomes the Secretary-General’s 16th consolidated report on Conflict in Georgia. The EU delegation released a statement on the report.

According to the statement, the EU considers it is important to preserve the mentioned issue on the political agenda of the Council of Europe.

“The EU reiterates its firm support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The EU underscores the importance of dialogue between the parties to the conflict. The EU supports peace and conflict resolution in Georgia, including through co-chairmanship of the Geneva International Discussions and EUMM on the ground.

The EU condemns the actions carried out in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region, which violate the rights of the local population. The EU is concerned that despite the constant appeals of the international community, the situation is still worsening.

The EU expresses its concern over the strengthening of the so-called borderization process along the administrative boundary line and notes that the section of wire fences, surveillance equipments and other barriers have been increased”, says the statement.

According to the statement, the right to education should be guaranteed for everyone, including Georgia’s separatist regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia. The European Union expresses its concern over the deterioration of access to education in the mother language in both regions. “We join the efforts of the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Negotiations to promote the child’s universal right to education in their native language.”

The EU expresses regret that there is no progress in the Geneva International Discussions on IDPs and refugee issues.