Georgian, foreign officials discuss coronavirus crisis in occupied regions

At an online meeting with the co-chairs of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) from the European Union, United Nations and the OSCE, Toivo Klaar, Cihan Sultanoglu and Rudolf Michalka, Georgian Deputy Minister Lasha Darsalia spoke of the situation in the Russian-occuied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

As of now, occupied Tskhinvali has confirmed a total of 25 coronavirus cases. The number of confirmed cases in occupied Abkhazia has also increased to 13. 

• Int’l Crisis Group assesses COVID-19 challenges in occupied Abkhazia, Tskhinvali

Russia’s ‘borderisation’ activities near the village of Takhtisdziri, its hybrid war and disinformation campaign against Georgia were also discussed.  

Cihan Sultanoglu, Toivo Klaar​​​​​ and Rudolf Michalka. Photo: Georgian Foreign Ministry press office

Although the 51st GID round - which was due to take place on March 31-April 1 - has been postponed due to the coronavirus, the GID co-chairs then stated that they would remain “fully engaged to help address the challenges” created by the pandemic.

• Geneva Int’l Discussions Co-chairs remain ‘fully engaged’ to address challenges amid coronavirus pandemic

Meanwhile, Marek Szczygiel, new Head of the European Union Monitoring mission (EUMM), also spoke of the situation along the occupation line with Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality of Georgia. 

Very productive meeting today with State Minister of ???????? for Reconciliation and Civic Equality @TsikhelashviliK.Discussed humanitarian sit. of conflict affected population during COVID-19. Visible presence of @EUMM on ground important for #stabilization, #normalization and #CBMs. pic.twitter.com/nCJsTKzxh4

— EUMM Head of Mission (@EUMMGeorgia_HoM) May 13, 2020