Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University hosted a discussion “Dialogue on the Past: A Possible Way to Conflict Transformation and Normalization.”The event was organized within the framework of the project of the German Embassy and the Berghof Foundation, German non-governmental organization.The purpose of the discussion is to talk openly and honestly about the past and the traumatic experiences in the communities in a free exchange of views, as well as to acquaint the students and the academic community with the activities carried out by the Berghof Foundation in Georgia.

Hubert Knirsch, German Ambassador to Georgia, Dr. Oliver Wils, Head of the Berghof Foundation’s Europe Department, Deputy Rector of TSU, Nino Gvenetadze, Professor Guguli Magradze, students and professors attended the event.

“Conflict transformation means that the conflict is not over, but there is no war, there is no shooting, this is the so-called negative peace, and at this time the work is underway to build confidence between the conflicting parties, to perceive the parties as people who need their humanitarian problems to be met, who need education, healthcare, etc.It is necessary to work in this direction with both conflicting sides.The present project is a good result of such work,” Professor Guguli Magradze said.

German Ambassador to Georgia,Hubert Knirsch noted that for a decade now, the Georgian-Abkhaz relations have been one of the areas of the Embassy’s work. He also said that the German Foundation is working on this issue, which “motivates us to talk together, to discuss the past and everything that was experienced in the early 90’s.”

The Berghof process regarding the Georgian-Abkhazpeace dialogue has been underway for more than eight years. Since Georgian and Abkhazpublic narratives are different, a common language can only be found through the stories in the memories of people who have experienced the war.

Dr. Oliver Wils, Head of the Berghof Foundation’s Europe Department, said that it is necessary to study what people experienced during this conflict, what was happening in their souls, hearts or minds.

Students attending the meeting were given the opportunity to learn about the possibilities of dialogue about the past on the path to conflict transformation and normalization, as well as to hear expert opinions. Two films covering the Georgian-Abkhazconflict created within the framework of the Berghof Foundation’s activities were screened at the event.

The Berghof process has created one of the largest platforms for bilateral civil dialogue that enables both societies to rethink and analyze the past.

The Berghof Foundation is a German non-governmental organization that has been working on the Georgian-Abkhaz peace dialogue for years. The Foundation implements the project “Dialogue on History as a Basis for Normalization”financed by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.