Geneva International Discussions review security, humanitarian developments in Russian-occupied territories of Georgia
The Co-Chairs informed the participants about their intention to hold the next GID round in mid-July, pending confirmation by the latter. Photo: AP Photo/Markus Schreiber
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Participants in the 57th round of the Geneva International Discussions - a platform facilitating talks between the Georgian Government and de facto authorities in the country’s Russian-occupied regions - on Wednesday reviewed security and humanitarian developments in the localities.
On the backdrop of the “highly challenging” geopolitical environment, the participants reiterated their commitment to the process and “interest” in ensuring the continuity of the talks as the only platform where consequences of the conflict are addressed, the Co-Chairs of the platform said.
“The Co-Chairs and participants underlined the key role played by the GID as a platform for predictability and dialogue, for the benefit of security and stability, as well as the well-being of conflict-affected populations”, the statement said.
Following intense exchanges on the non-use of force and international security arrangements, the participants could not reach a common understanding on this core item on the agenda. Unfortunately, the issue of IDPs and refugees could not be fully covered either due to a walkout by some participants”, the statement noted.
The Co-Chairs informed the participants about their intention to hold the next GID round in mid-July, pending confirmation by the latter.
Georgian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lasha Darsalia on Wednesday said during today’s round of the Geneva International Discussions “Russia saw plainly that Georgia is not alone and enjoys the strong support of its partners”.
Toivo Klaar, the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia, on Wednesday said the Geneva International Discussions, a platform facilitating talks between the Georgian Government and de facto authorities in the country’s Russian-occupied regions, was “vital” for security and stability.
Georgian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lasha Darsalia on Wednesday said “all responsibility” for Georgia’s occupied territories rested with Russia, and noted the stance was “not only a political statement, but also a legally proven fact”.
Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO Secretary General, on Wednesday said the alliance would continue to support its partners facing pressure from Russia, including Georgia, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Georgian Public Defender Levan Ioseliani on Wednesday told the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva the right to life remained a “serious challenge” in the Russian-occupied territories of Georgia.
The 59th round of Geneva International Discussions, the only international format addressing security and humanitarian consequences of the 2008 Russia-Georgia conflict, on Tuesday and Wednesday largely focused on the killing of Georgian citizen Tamaz Ginturi by Russian-controlled occupation forces last month.