OSCE Mission holds 'Signs of Hope' photo course for journalists in zone of Georgian-Ossetian conflict

TBILISI, 25 June 2008 - Some 20 journalists in South Ossetia completed today a master-class in photography organized by the OSCE Mission to Georgia.

The three-day course, delivered by award-winning photographers from Armenia, Georgia and Russia, was part of the "Signs of Hope" photography training project for the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict.

"The journalists have responded wholeheartedly to the training and the theme of 'Signs of Hope' which explores confidence-building activities," said Grzegorz Michalski, the Head of the OSCE Field Office in Tskhinvali. "We are very encouraged by the interest shown in the initiative so far, which envisages further activities including a photography exhibition and competition."

Participants learned photo techniques and gained hands-on experience with a field trip to visit beneficiaries of the OSCE-led, donor-funded Economic Rehabilitation Programme for the zone of conflict.

The project is part of the OSCE Mission's continued efforts to build confidence between communities in the region and pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. As part of the project, a series of basic photography courses following the same confidence-building theme will also be offered to non-governmental organizations and students in Tskhinvali and three villages - one Georgian, one Ossetian and one with a mixed population.