On Wednesday 4 April, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service welcomed the peace initiative by the Georgian government, "A Step to a Better Future".
The objective in the initiative is to improve the humanitarian, social and economic conditions of the populations living in the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and to encourage contact, mobility and mutual relations on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Lines.
In a press release, the spokesperson explained, “The package of proposals adopted today by the Government of Georgia can benefit the citizens living on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Lines by facilitating trade, education and mobility”. The spokesperson also pointed out that these proposals are in line with the European Union's policy of engagement with the breakaway regions of Georgia.
The spokesperson asserted that, “We support initiatives aimed at building bridges across the dividing lines and addressing humanitarian challenges” and added that they are looking forward to the discussions in the Parliament of Georgia and the final outcome of the process.
The spokesperson highlighted the EU’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders and the fact that it “remains firmly committed to conflict resolution and its policy of non-recognition and engagement in Georgia”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)