Georgian deputy FM: Geneva International Discussions to focus on need for Russia to follow 2008 ceasefire

Georgian deputy foreign minister Lasha Darsalia on Wednesday said the 56th round of the Geneva International Discussions would focus on the need to fulfil the obligations undertaken by Russia under the 2008 ceasefire agreement that ended the conflict between the two countries. 

Today's round will focus on the need to fulfil the obligations undertaken by Russia. This concerns the six-point agreement, the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the [current] difficult situation in the [Russian-] occupied regions and the deteriorating security environment around Georgia”, Darsalia told Imedi TV.

The deputy minister stressed Russia had “always shied away” from fulfilling its commitments, and this “destructive approach” had “intensified in recent months”.

I would like to thank the co-chairs [of the Geneva International Discussions]. The United Nations, OSCE, European Union are involved, as well as the American side. After such a pause, with their efforts, we have the opportunity to resume discussions”, Darsalia concluded in his comments.

The Geneva International Discussions have been established as international talks to address the consequences of the 2008 war in Georgia. They were launched in Geneva in October 2008 and are co-chaired by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the European Union, and the United Nations.

The Geneva process brings together representatives of the participants of the conflict - Georgia, Russia and Georgia's Russian-occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia (Tskhinvali) regions - as well as the United States.