Georgia condemns Russia-Abkhazia military deal at 38th Geneva Talks

Representatives of the Government of Georgia have openly condemned the recently ratified military deal between Russia and Georgia’s de facto Abkhazia region at the 38th round of the Geneva International Talks, which discuss Georgia’s conflict issues. 

At the December 13-14 discussions, which were co-chaired by representatives of the European Union, United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-Operation in Europe, Georgia stressed the Russia-Abkhazia deal on creation of joint military troops was "one more step taken to annexation of Georgia’s occupied territories by Russia”. 

In front of representatives of the United States, Russia and the two occupied regions Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) the Georgian delegation said Russia’s military exercises in Georgia’s breakaway areas contradicted all international laws. 

The Georgian side also spoke about the suggested creation of a 'bordering zone' at Abkhazia’s Gali area that would further suppress the free movement of people and demanded explanations from representatives of the occupied regimes. 

Georgians also spoke about the Abkhaz border guard who killed Georgian citizen Giga Otkhozoria in May this year despite the victim being on Georgian-controlled territory.

The Georgian side were concerned about Russia’s creeping occupation, erecting of new barbed wire fences and 'border signs' on Georgian territory, depriving locals of receiving an education in their mother-tongue and more. 

The Georgian delegation highlighted the importance of letting international missions into Georgia's occupied regions but this was immediately dismissed by Russian envoys. 

The Georgian delegation also raised the issue of the peaceful and dignified return of Internally Displaced Persons to their homes in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. While discussing this issue, representatives of Russia and the occupied regions left the negotiating table,” said Georgia’s Foreign Ministry in a special statement. 

The action once again highlighted their unconstructive attitude to the negotiation process,” the Ministry added. 

• Since the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008 the Geneva International Discussions have been the only format of dialogue between Georgia and Russia. 
• At the meeting, according to the August 12, 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, issues including non-use of force, creation of international security arrangements in breakaway Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region, and safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees are discussed.

The next round of the Geneva Talks were scheduled for March 28-29, 2017.