Georgia’s peace policy rests on two pillars: de-occupation and reconciliation of communities divided by occupation lines, Foreign Minister of Georgia said at the 32nd OSCE Ministerial Council.

“This year carries profound meaning for the OSCE. Fifty years have passed since the Helsinki Final Act was adopted, and this anniversary reminds us that the principles agreed upon half a century ago - sovereignty, territorial integrity, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for human rights - remain vital to the peace, stability, and dignity of millions of people.

For Georgia, these principles are not theoretical. They speak directly to the core security challenges my country continues to face. Twenty percent of Georgia’s sovereign territory remains under occupation due to Russia’s ongoing military presence in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions. The consequences of this occupation are severe: ethnic cleansing, brutal violations of fundamental human rights, tragic cases of torture and murder, and hundreds of thousands of displaced persons who have lived for decades with the hope of returning home.

Hybrid warfare and steps toward annexation cannot and should not be ignored by the international community. Russia’s responsibility for the occupation and the human rights violations on the ground has been confirmed by international courts, including the ECHR and the International Criminal Court.

Yet Russia continues to disregard its obligations. The EU-mediated 2008 Ceasefire Agreement remains unimplemented, and the EU Monitoring Mission has still not been allowed to fully carry out its mandate or access the occupied regions. Georgia’s objective is the peaceful resolution of conflict and restoration of its territorial integrity. The Geneva International Discussions remain an important mechanism toward that end.

Georgia’s peace policy rests on two pillars: de-occupation and reconciliation of communities divided by occupation lines.

“We are grateful for the unwavering support of our partners in defending Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is of the utmost importance that the peaceful resolution of the Russia–Georgia conflict remains among the top priorities on the agenda of the OSCE and other international organizations”, - said Maka Botchorishvili.