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Interreligious Conference - Religions on the Georgia’s Way to European Integration
24.10.2019
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On October 24, at 12 pm at the Biltmore Hotel, the State Agency for Religious Issues held the fourth conference - "Interreligious Dialogue for Peace" - "Religions on the Road to Georgia's European Integration".

The conference was attended by the representatives of religious organizations in Georgia, Parliament and Government of Georgia, international organizations and diplomatic corps, academic circles.

Zaza Vashakmadze, the chairman of the State Agency for Religious Issues addressed the participants and highly appreciated the role of Euro-Atlantic organizations in the process of democratization and economic development of independent Georgia: “Why is it important for Georgia to get closer to the European family - almost no one argues. Relations with Europe, connection with the Euro-Atlantic structures mean maximum protection for Georgia, ties to cultural Europe, protection of human rights and new opportunities. The goal of today’s conference is: to support the historical choice - the Euro-Atlantic course and the European integration process - declared in plebiscite, in 2008, achieved by the majority of citizens of different ethnicities and religions; Express unconditional support for Georgia's independence and territorial integrity; condemn all manifestations of restriction of freedom of religion and belief in the occupied territories of Georgia, also all fact of abduction and killing of civilians; as well as all facts of gross alteration, closure, or destruction of religious buildings with a purpose of erasing ethnic-historical traces; support our country’s Euro-integration process by maintaining and protecting fundamental issues and values of national traditions, family and faith; Because the role of Georgia, as a historical member of the European family and a country with traditions of distinguished tolerance is important for the European community, as well as the achievements of the European countries in the field of protection of human rights - for the development of our country. We think the Georgian experience of cultural, religious and ethnic diversity is noteworthy, because any conflict, whether it is ethnic, religious or cultural, cannot be resolved only by the law, only by the separation of powers, even by war. The only way to the final elimination of the conflict is achieved through tolerance, mutual understanding and consent” – said Zaza Vashakmadze.

The leaders of the religious organizations participating in the conference signed the declaration (text attached).

 

 

D E C L A R A T I O N

Religions on Georgia’s Way to European Integration 

We, the religions in Georgia,

Acknowledging Georgia’s historical aspiration into the European family and culture, 

Relying on the will of the Georgian society expressed in the plebiscite, 

Considering the importance and role of religions in the formation of public consciousness and way of life,

We agree with the following:

  1. We support the fundamental human rights and freedom of religion and belief;
  1. We believe that the role of Georgia, as a historical member of the ancient European cultural family and a country with a tradition of distinguished tolerance, is important for the modern European community, as well as the achievements of the European countries in the field of protection of fundamental human rights - for the development of our country;
  1. We condemn abduction and killing of civilians in the occupied territories of Georgia; as well as all facts of gross alteration, closure, or destruction of religious buildings with a purpose of erasing ethnic-historical traces;
  1. We oppose facts of restriction of freedom of religion and belief in the occupied territories of Georgia and support the process of restoring Georgia's territorial integrity; 
  1. We support a historical choice of Georgia, announced by the universal plebiscite, – the European course, by maintaining and protecting fundamental values of national traditions, family and faith.
  • Georgian Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church
  • Administration of Muslims of All Georgia
  • Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Holy Church in Georgia
  • Union of Georgian Jews
  • Union of Evangelical Christian Baptist Church of Georgia
  • Evangelical-Protestant Church in Georgia
  • International Baptist Church of Tbilisi
  • State Agency for Religious Issues





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