Mission of Georgia to the European Communities

Mr Olivier Dupuis, MEP

Deputy Chairman of the Delegation for Relations with South Caucasus

6 July 1998

Dear Mr. Dupuis,

First of all please, accept my congratulations for the fruitful conclusions of the 5th interparliamentary meeting in Tblisi. I hope, it will give an additional impulse to the relations between EU and Georgia. Let me also thank you for your personal contribution in the development of these relations.

The ideas expressed in the Joint Statement, such as elaboration of a new strategy of the EU towards the South Caucasus based on an individual approach to each country, consideration of the region as a major transit route between Europe and Asia, arrangements for establishment of EU-Georgia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, etc. determine directions for the future of our relations.

The Statement also stresses the " importance of finding a prompt and peaceful solution to the conflict in Abkhazia" and "condemns the new wave of ethnic cleansing in the Gali region".

Recalling our conversation in Strasbourg I would appreciate if you could forward the question of adopting by the European Parliament during the forthcoming session (July 15) a resolution which would reflect dramatic events in abkhazia.

I hope the materials I am sending to you can provide an additional information about acts of violence having place in Gali region (Abkhazia, Georgia) in the last decade of May.

Thank you, once again, for your kind cooperation.

K. Gogolashvili

Acting Head of the Mission