The Georgian side once again confirms its readiness to contribute to discharge of the tension in any format, including through a dialog and host representatives of sides of the conflict in Tbilisi – Vakhtang Gomelauri, Secretary of National Security Council said. He introduced the statement of National Council to journalists.

The sitting of National Security Council of Georgia was held in connection with the current situation following the military confrontation between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno Karabakh region.

“Escalation of the situation will negatively affect the security in the region. We call on OSCE/Mink Group co-chairmen and international actors to apply to all measures for stopping violence and resumption of a dialog.

Georgia has friendly neighborly relations with both Azerbaijan and Armenia. Our goal is to maintain and further strengthen these relations. In Georgia, we have always been proud of peaceful coexistence of Georgians with people of other, including with Azerbaijani and Armenian, nationalities that needs to be cared about and jointly nurtured.

We should not admit that amid the crisis situation between Azerbaijan and Armenia, certain destructive elements, both inside and outside Georgia, cast shadow to our friendship and historic experience.

Taking this into consideration, the Georgian side once again confirms its readiness to contribute to discharge of the tension in any format, including through a dialog and host representatives of sides of the conflict in Tbilisi.

The Georgian side, for many years, has been fulfilling its internationally taken commitments including toward its neighbor countries – Azerbaijan and Armenia. Namely, Georgia’s transit function is an important factor for functioning and development of economy of both countries that is, naturally, this is in the interests of Georgia as well. Today, civil military shipments are carried out through Georgia in transit regime uninterruptedly and safely including in direction of Azerbaijan and Armenia. The rate is high and has not changed after resumption of the military conflict.

It should be noted that from the moment of escalation of the conflict, no restrictions have been imposed on part of Georgia on civil air military shipments and no restrictions will be imposed.  Also, due to the ongoing military activities between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Georgian government temporarily suspended issuance of permits across its territory on shipment of military cargo through its ground and air routes in direction of both countries. The sides were informed about this decision.  The Georgian side fully fulfils the international commitments with respect to any other international shipments. Our common interest is the quick end of the military confrontation and restoration of peace in the region,” Vakhtang Gomelauri said.