PRESS CONFERENCE BY GEORGIA SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE

PRESS CONFERENCE BY GEORGIA SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE

“The work done on issues related to the return of internally displaced persons was this year’s major achievement in the peace process for Georgia”, said Heidi Tagliavini, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Georgia, at a Headquarters press conference this afternoon.

She noted that, despite the lack of clarity regarding the results of the 2 November parliamentary elections, the situation for Georgian civilians seemed normal.  The uncertain political situation however, was a distraction from the peace process, she added.

Highlighting the importance attached by the United Nations to the safe, secure and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their places of previous permanent residence in Abkhazia, Ms. Tagliavini said that both sides to the conflict were working on a set of clear cut recommendations on internally displaced person return, economic cooperation and political and security matters.  She also noted that a working group for the return of internally displaced persons had been created, a civilian police component was being set up to monitor the process and legal and administrative arrangements were being developed, with assistance from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Despite those achievements, security guarantees were still a concern for both sides, Ms. Tagliavini said.  A high-level study visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina had been “an eye-opener”, showing the Georgian government officials what could be done in post conflict areas with the support of the international community, she added.

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