Georgian Foreign Ministry hosts preparatory meeting of co-chairs of Geneva Discussions

The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has hosted a preparatory meeting for the 51st round of the Geneva International Discussions, the only international format discussing the consequences of the Russia-Georgia 2008 war, between Georgia’s representatives and the EU, the UN and OSCE Co-chairs.

The ministry announced that the frequent provocative actions of Russia near the occupation line including so-called 'borderisation' and the illegal detention of Georgian citizens that 'worsens humanitarian situation on the ground' was discussed. 

The Deputy Minister Lasha Darsalia expressed concern over the arrest of Mirian Taziashvili, detained by the occupation regime near the village of Zardiantkari on November 20.

Special attention was also paid to the case of Zaza Gakheladze, Genadi Bestaev and Irakli Bebua, who are in illegal detention. The co-chairs were asked to make every effort to secure the release of the Georgian citizens as soon as possible.

The Georgian delegation noted that the recent death of Onise Gatenashvili, a doctor living in Akhalgori, once again confirms the dire humanitarian situation in the Tskhinvali region, including the restriction of access to emergency medical services.

Darsalia stressed the regular violations of the August 12, 2008 ceasefire agreement by Russia (on the withdrawal of Russian forces from the Georgian territory), including the ongoing illegal militarisation and military exercises in the regions of Russian-occupied regions of Georgia Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. 

The conversation focused on the steps taken by the Russian Federation towards the de facto annexation of the occupied territories of Georgia.