Georgian territorial conflict solution among UN top 12 priorities for 2018

The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has defined 12 areas of concern, mentioning Georgia in terms of "removing the paralysis that has let European conflicts fester and freeze”.

Following his remarks at the informal meeting of the General Assembly in New York yesterday, Guterres said "having started two world wars, and taking into account the resources and capacities available to Europe, it is unjustifiable for conflicts in the region to persist”.

Resolving these situations requires pushing back the dangerous tide of nationalism, and revitalizing the relevant mediation initiatives — including the Normandy format and Trilateral Contact Group on Eastern Ukraine, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group on Nagorno-Karabakh, the Geneva international discussions related to Georgia and the "5+2” process on Transnistria. A concerted effort for solutions leading to long-term stability in the Western Balkans is also urgent”, Guterres said.

The UN Secretary General believes that all challenges demand an investment of time, money, energy, political capital and more.

Addressing the Member States to assume leadership, he said "everyone, everywhere, can do something to make our world more safe, sustainable and secure”.

About Geneva International Discussions

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.