A Georgian delegation led by First Deputy Foreign Minister David Dondua is in Switzerland where the 32nd round of the Geneva International Discussions convenes on June 30 and July 1.
At this round of talks, the Georgian side hoped for constructive and result-oriented dialogue, as the previous talks were held in a tense atmosphere.
Since 2008 the Geneva International Discussions (GID) have been the only format of dialogue between Georgia and Russia, where, according to the 12 August 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.
Before this round of talks, Dondua issued a special statement and said the success of the negotiation process and thorough discussion of existing problems significantly depended on the respect by all GID parties to the format, agreed procedures and agenda of the talks.
"On our part we attach particular importance to having constructive and result-oriented dialogue within the Geneva International Discussion,” he said.
"We hope that this time participants will show a responsible attitude towards the negotiation process and will not endanger the round as well as the established practice of conduct of the GID. We also expect the Co-Chairs to use all their efforts within their mandate to hold the round in accordance with the procedures.”
The previous round of talks coincided with the day when Russia invited representatives of the occupied regime in Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), one of Georgia’s two breakaway regions, to the Kremlin in March to sign the so-called "treaty" on 'Alliance and Integration' with the Russian Federation.