The emergence of Dimitri Sanakoev’s administration “symbolizes the new reality on the ground” in South Ossetia, Georgian Foreign Minister Gela Bezhuashvili said while addressing the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on June 14.
“It reflects the will of the majority of the population, both Ossetian and Georgian,” he added.
Bezhuashvili referred to the Sanakoev administration as the “People of South Ossetia for Peace” movement. It was a reference to an organisation set up by Sanakoev in March before he was appointed by Tbilisi as head of its loyal South Ossetian provisional administration.
“The movement in question is willing to engage constructively in the negotiation process to find a viable and durable solution,” the foreign minister said.
He also said Tbilisi was inviting all its partners, including Russia, to engage in a constructive dialogue to resolve the South Ossetian conflict.
“We would like to appeal to the OSCE, the EU and our international partners to deliver a firm, convincing message to the Tskhinvali regime – the separatists – that the only way forward is to engage in a constructive, results-oriented dialogue,” he said.
Bezhuashvili reiterated that Tbilisi was committed to solving the conflict through peaceful means.
“The only path we see to peace in Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia is the same path that we see for all people of Georgia: we must deliver on the promise of individual liberty, economic opportunity, quality of life and human security,” he said.
The OSCE, he said, was “a key partner” for stability in Georgia.
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