NGOs adopt the ‘Kazbegi Declaration’ to address the situation in breakaway South Ossetia

A working meeting of NGOs and experts dealing with the problems of the Georgian-Ossetian relations was held on July 27-28, 2004 in Kazbegi. The meeting was organized within the framework of a DRC supported project “Development of dialogue between communities, on a basis of practical peace building”. The meeting aimed at strengthening the process of peaceful solution of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict.

Representatives of the county administration of Shida Kartli and Mtskheta-Mtianeti, the Georgian diaspora in Vladikavkaz and the Georgian Association of Ossetians, as well as IDPs from breakaway South Ossetia and ethic Georgians participated in the meeting. Representatives of scientific institutions and youth organizations from North Ossetia also took part in this event.

As a result of the meeting, “Kazbegi Declaration” composed of 12 articles was adopted. It mainly contains the general estimation of the situation existing in the breakaway region.

The declaration addresses all organizations and governmental structures dealing with settlement of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict. Besides, the action program i.e. a package of recommendations aiming to further develop the Georgian-Ossetian relationship was also elaborated.

The presentation of the program is planned to be held at the international conference titled “the role of increased dialogue between communities in the development of Georgian-Ossetian relationship” in late September.

Organizers of the event were: Helsinki Citizens Assembly Georgian National Committee (HCA GNC), INFO Peace, New Education, Teachers for peace and against violence and South Caucasus Institute for Regional Security (SCIRS).