Information to spread 7.10.

2013

R-CSN Statement
Regarding So Called Border Organizing and Persecuting Ethnical Georgians in Tskhinvali Region Recent situation in the villages of Dvani and Ditsi regarding the border organizing process by Russian occupation forces is pretty much concerning and dangerous. This makes already tensed situation more apprehensive in the conflict zones. It is also noteworthy that the living conditions of those people living in the open conflicts and tension appear unbearable. Because of the current situation the locals come across additional social-economic difficulties. There are also people who are obliged to leave their households and cemeteries across the so called new border. Recent information spread says that those people who have Georgian citizenship together with the so called Abkhaz passports are mistreated and the children are dismissed of the kindergartens etc. Thus its obvious that Russia does not respect Georgias attempt (which territories are illegally occupied by Russia) to restore humanitarian, cultural and economic relationships with the neighbor. Annexation and ethical Georgians persecution process before Vilnius Summit proves that Russia still attempts to have vital influence over forming Georgian foreign policy. Annexation and ethical Georgians persecution process before upcoming Presidential Elections proves that Russia still attempts to have vital influence over forming Georgian domestic policy. Existing reality proves that the government should make effective moves regarding the issue and all civil groups having certain responsibilities must openly show their own positions: Georgian governments reaction should be peaceful and it should use only diplomatic tools against Russia, which offensively violated international law; Current Georgian-Russian relationships are in a vital need of knowledge and experience of Georgian diplomats having various political views and appropriate international experience. As the problem appears pretty much active it will be very useful to organize a forum with the Prime-Minister regarding the issue; Activating foreign policy is also very significant, because during every International Forums and mutual meetings Georgias partner states to discuss Georgias occupation issue and to continue making pressure over Russia regarding Georgias issue; It is very important to lead pragmatic and constructive foreign policy. Recently restored occupation process from Russia must lead Georgian government to make counter decision and state:

 Participating in Sochi Olympics must be impossible; Discussion of the wide scale economic projects, including opening Abkhazia section of the railway must be impossible; etc. High ranked officials should quit sending foreign and domestic political messages to Customs Union and Eurasian Union, because such activities in and out of the country are recognized to be not the tools for Political Bargain but rejection of the state interests; Georgian government should make its maximal effort to create normal living conditions including drinking and planting water infrastructure, transportation, vehicles free moving etc in so called border perimeter, conflict zone; The local government should discuss the issue of awarding the conflict zone dwellers with the special status that should provide these peoples social economic and healthcare condition security. Abovementioned attempt will avoid Georgian citizens abandonment from the conflict zones. R-CSN: 1. Civil Society Research and Development Center 2. Union of Democrat Meskhs 3. Imereti Scientists Union Spectri 4. Dusheti Development Fund 5. Georgian Association of Educational Initiatives SIQA 6. Kakheti Regional Development Center 7. Borjghali 8. Georgias Democratic Development Union 9. Lanchkhuti Information Center 10. Georgian Young Economists Union Kutaisi Branch 11. Anti-Violence National Network Khashuri Regional Committee 12. Association Atinati 13. Georgias Young Layers Association GYLA Kutaisi Branch 14. Anti-Violence National Network Mtskheta-Mtianeti Committee 15. Organization Step Forward 16. Bridge of Friendship Kartlosi 17. For the Better Future 18. Media and Society 19. Tkibuli Regional Development Fund 20. Institute of Democracy 21. Association Biliki 22. Public Monitoring and Research Center 23. Gori Disables Club 24. Association Gaenati 25. Stepantsminda 26. Guria Youth Resource Center

27. Kvemo-Kartli Civil-Information Center 28. Association Toleranti 29. Kutaisi Education Development and Employment Center 30. Kutaisi Information Center 31. Association Chiaturelta Union 32. Association Zekari 33. NGO CiDA
Note: R-CSN is facilitated by the NGO CiDA. The project is supported by Public Policy, Advocacy and Civil Society Development Program (G-PAC) and financed by USAID.
Diana Dundua CiDA Communication Manager 599248222 diana@cida.ge