Latvian Transatlantic organisation, supported by Georgian NGOs and youth, called for peaceful conflict resolution by releasing 2008 balloons on June 6 on Abkhazian border. The campaign took place by the bridge over the river Inguri that separates Abkhazia from the rest of Georgia, right by the peacekeeper checkpoints.
The campaign was a reaction to the recent events in Abkhazia - the downing of a Georgian unmanned aircraft on April 20 by a Russian plane (UNOMIG report by May 26), unilateral deployment of additional Russian troops to Abkhazia, raid of Russian peacekeepers to Zugdidi, town in Western Georgia on May 17, deployment of Railway troops of the Russian Federation to Abkhazia on May 31, and blowing up of two buses in Gali district of Abkhazia on the election day May 21.
Latvian youngsters, supported by ethnically diverse Georgian youth, called for Georgian and Abkhazian sides to engage in a constructive dialogue. They also stressed that they would like to see the international community taking firmer action to support Georgian government in its efforts for peaceful conflict resolution and to assist both sides by providing an impartial mediator who would not allow violations of international law or aggravate the conflict.
JOINT STATEMENT OF LATVIAN AND GEORGIAN YOUTH
We, ethnically diverse representatives of Latvian and Georgian youth, are releasing these 2008 balloons as a peaceful gesture. The balloons in the national colours of Georgian and Abkhazian colours represent our wish for peace.
We believe that a peaceful resolution of the conflict between Georgia and Abkhazia is the only way forward. Therefore both sides should be open to a dialogue, show trust and respect.
We are convinced that Georgia is a home for various ethnic groups, and artificially aggravated ongoing conflict we face does not benefit the development of the country and the region as a whole.
We call upon the international community to condemn any actions that increase strains between the two sides and put them under the threat of a potential military aggression.
We hope that the international community will show stronger support to Georgia’s efforts to retain peace in the region in order to secure a democratic, stable and prosperous future for its people.
Please provide an impartial international involvement to help Georgia at this very difficult time!
Make peace not war!
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