The conference was addressed by several lecturers, amongst others Giorgi Targamadze, leader of the Christian Democratic Movement (CDM) and minority leader in the parliament of Georgia; Louis Navarro, NDI country cirector; Giorgi Rukhadze, international secretary of CDM; Nodar Sarjveladze, Director of Christian Democratic Institute; Katja Plate, country director of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung; Andrea Keerbs, IRI country director and professor George Hudson of Wittenberg University USA.

Among the topics discussed were such issues as interethnic conflict, democratization, current internal and external policy of Georgia and (CDM) alternatives and generally political and specificly Christian Democratic developments in several countries.

Besides lectures, discussions and a Lower House debate, the participants also visited Tbilisi town hall, for a presentation about the workings of the Tbilisi City Assembly (Sakrebulo) by assembly members Zaza Gabunia and Jaba Samushia; the Parliament building, where Levan Vepkhvadze, vice speaker of parliament, discussed the workings of parliament and Georgian politics in general; the town of Mskheta and Holy Cross Monastery, Svetitskhoveli and the former monastery that is now a church and the spring at Sighnagi. Because the conference was held in the centre of Tbilisi, the participants were able to see much of the old streets and interesting sites, such as the ruins of the castle, whilst a very knowledgeable guide accompanied them.

On the nights of the conferences there would be nice meals, with some traditional dishes and Georgian wines, in a very good ambiance with live music, to which some of the Georgian participants contributed with their songs or dance both traditional and international. On the final evening the participants received their certificates and a present. The people of Georgia stand out in kindness, hospitality and helpfullness, always willing and insistent to go a second mile with you. In view of this, it can only be a matter of time for ECPYN to visit Georgia again.

Click here for some pictures.