Georgia urges Russia to fulfil ceasefire obligations, facilitate IDP return at Geneva Discussions

The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday issued a statement following the conclusion of the 64th round of the Geneva International Discussions, reiterating demands for Russia to honour the 2008 ceasefire agreement and allow the safe return of displaced persons to the Russian-occupied territories.

The talks, held between Wednesday and Thursday, were led by the Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia and focused on core agenda issues, including full implementation of the EU-mediated August 12, 2008 ceasefire agreement, safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees, restoration of the Gali Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism and regularisation of meetings in Gali and Ergneti.

The Georgian delegation raised serious concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian, security, and human rights conditions in and near the Russian-occupied territories.

“The Georgian side raised serious concerns about the challenging security, humanitarian, and human rights situation created by Russia’s occupying forces in the occupied regions and near the occupation line. Concerns were expressed about recent actions, such as the illegal operation of an airport in violation of fundamental principles and norms of international law, the launch of regular flights, railway connections from Russia to Sokhumi, and the operation of an electric train. As per their usual practice, representatives of Russia and the occupation regimes left the negotiating table during discussions on one of the key agenda items concerning the return of IDPs and refugees to their homes in the occupied territories”, the statement said.

Geneva International Discussions and their mandate were established following the 2008 Russia-Georgia war.

The Geneva International Discussions are a platform for dialogue on ceasefire implementation, IDP and refugee returns and security and humanitarian challenges in occupied regions.

The talks are co-chaired by the EU, OSCE, and the UN, with participation from Georgia, the Russian Federation, the United States, and de facto representatives from Sokhumi and Tskhinvali, as well as officials from Georgia’s Abkhazian Government-in-exile and temporary administrative body for South Ossetia.

The next round of Geneva International Discussions is scheduled to take place on November 11-12.