Kanat Saudabayev Visits Georgia
Kazakhstan Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Kanat Saudabayev discussed several OSCE concerns with Georgia during his visit last February 17, 2010. With Kazakhstan holding the chairmanship of the OSCE, Kanat Saudabayev gave a recap of the organization’s plans to support the Geneva Discussions, as well as its support for the democratic reform processes.
According to Saudabayev, finding solutions to resolve protracted conflicts such as that of South Caucasus is considered as one of the main priorities of Kazakhstan. After meeting up with Foreign Minister Gregory Vashadze, Kanat Saudabayev shared the OSCE’s commitment to continue its efforts of attaining a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Kanat Saudabayev also believes that the similarities between Kazakhstan and Georgia’s history will serve as an important factor in achieving progress.
Saudabayev noted Georgia’s commitment in resolving the problems within the outline of the Geneva Discussions. The Geneva Discussions; which involves the EU, UN and OSCE co-chairs; has been taking place since October of 2008. The OSCE Chairman says that maintaining the ongoing dialogue is important and probably the only way to attain a peaceful resolution. With this, the Kazakh foreign minister revealed that Georgia’s constructive approach to the dialogue is warmly welcomed.
In addition to this, Saudabayev also calls for the resumption of the activities initiated by the IPRM, or the Incident Prevention Response Mechanism. This, according to him, will help resolve Georgian Ossetian issues. Holding regular IPRM meetings is important in promoting communication, as well as in lifting tensions from both territories. Saudabayev also believes that the OSCE can provide a big help to the IPRM.
Finally, the Kazakhstan OSCE chairman also gave assurance that the OSCE is ready to support Georgia whenever it goes through the democratic reform process, especially for its municipal elections this May.
Saudabayev knows that Georgia’s municipal elections is crucial as it will give Georgia the chance to show its commitment to free and fair elections and political pluralism.
