The Netherlands is calling on all parties concerned to adopt a constructive approach to talks on peace and stability in the Caucasus.
'It is in no one's interest for violence to break out again. We have to focus on the future and on overcoming the effects of the war as quickly as possible,' said foreign minister Maxime Verhagen in Tbilisi after his meeting with President Mikheil Saakashvili. Mr Verhagen is paying a two-day working visit to Georgia, where he will also hold talks with Prime Minister Nikoloz Gilauri, his Georgian counterpart Grigol Vashadze and Parliamentary Chairman Davit Bakradze.
Mr Verhagen repeated that the Netherlands would not recognise the breakaway Georgian regions. He thanked Georgia for cooperating with the EU Monitoring Mission, which is overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire, emphasising that the monitors should have free access throughout Georgia.
The Netherlands has made €1.3 million available in emergency aid for refugees and other victims of the war. A further €2.5 million in budget support for the Georgian government has been set aside to repair war damage. The Netherlands is one of Georgia's ten largest donors.
Mr Verhagen discussed the further democratisation and modernisation of Georgia both with the authorities and with opposition leaders. 'I emphasised that seeking dialogue - a process that encompasses freedom of the press - is vitally important for democracy and the rule of law,' said Mr Verhagen.
The minister proposed that the Georgian Electoral Code be submitted to the Council of Europe. He went on to suggest an international study to improve access to the media. President Saakashvili said he would consider the proposals.
Today Mr Verhagen is visiting the conflict zone in South Ossetia, where he will speak with refugees in a camp housing some 10,000 people and meet the nine Dutch EU monitors.