US Mission to the OSCE sums up recent int’l discussions on Georgian conflict

The Charge d’Affaires of the United States Missions to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Harry Kamian summed up the recent Geneva International Discussions today.

Security and humanitarian issues in the Russian occupied regions of Georgia – Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) were discussed at the Geneva International Discussions on October 10-11.

The United States "expressed its continued objection to the closure of two controlled crossing points along the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) along Abkhazia and the continued placement of physical barriers and demarcation signs along the ABLs of the both Russian occupied regions stressing "these actions restrict freedom of movement and damage the livelihoods of local residents”.

• The United States stated its objection to the demolition of hundreds of Georgian homes in the Eredvi village in South Ossetia, noting that Georgians have a right to return to their homes.
• The United States also expressed its continued concern with the Abkhazia's decision to suspend prosecution of a suspect in the killing of Georgian citizen Giga Otkhozoria.

Encouraging the parties "to continue constructive negotiations aimed at achieving a mutually agreeable statement on the non-use of force during the next round” the United States "also called on the parties to work together to identify comprehensive solutions to issues affecting the lives of residents on both sides of the ABL, including the potential threat of certain insect species to agricultural harvests”.

• The United States urges participants to look for practical steps forward to resolve humanitarian issues, including the core issues of internally displaced persons, during upcoming rounds of negotiations.
• The United States also calls on the Russian Federation, as a party to the conflict, to abide by the 2008 ceasefire agreement and to respect international law and its international commitments.
• The United States fully supports Georgia’s territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders.

Since the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008, the Geneva International Discussions have been the only format of dialogue between Georgia and Russia.

It is chaired by the OSCE, the EU and the UN. Representatives from Tbilisi, Tskhinvali and Sukhumi, Moscow and Washington also take part in the discussions.