Conference on South Ossetia Opens in Batumi

 A two-day conference on South Ossetian conflict resolution was opened in Batumi, Adjara Autonomous Republic on July 10 with the participation of representatives of international organizations, local and international experts as well as Georgian governmental officials. Authorities of breakaway South Ossetia boycotted the conference.

In his opening remarks President Saakashvili said that the Tbilisi’s peace proposal over South Ossetia is “a list of dreams.” “There is everything they [the South Ossetian side] wish,” he added.

After outlining once again this peace plan, President Saakashvili said that the Georgian side has some additional proposals.

“We are ready to allot 15 minutes of air time at the Georgian Public Television daily, so that the South Ossetian side can voice its position,” Saakashvili said.

“We are ready to repay the pension debt, which has been accumulated since early 90s and we are ready to envisage this expanses in 2006-2009 state budget,” the President added.

The Georgian government also plans to unveil its action plan, or as State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues Giorgi Khaindrava put it, “roadmap,” which outlines detailed steps and measures, which the Georgian side plans to undertake to solve this conflict.