The participants of the Geneva International Discussions have just completed their twenty-sixth round.
In Working Group I, the participants started their discussions with a review of the security situation on the ground. In this regard, the co-Chairs appreciated the prevailing relative calm and stable situation despite the continued deployment of fences and other obstacles at different locations along the Administrative Boundary lines. In this regard, the co-Chairs regretted the adverse effects of these developments and called upon all participants to ensure that these are duly addressed, including within the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRM).
The participants once again reviewed the work done in the IPRM framework. They reiterated the need to resume the Gali IPRM meetings and welcomed the constructive work done within the Ergneti IPRM. They positively assessed the constructive and business-like engagement of the experts in the drafting session on the joint draft statement of the participants of the Geneva International Discussions on non-use of force. It has been agreed that the work on this topic will continue during the next session.
In Working Group II, the participants reviewed the humanitarian situation on the ground. Participants reiterated their concern about the humanitarian consequences of the developments that affect the daily life of the local population along the Administrative Boundary lines. The participants exchanged views on ways to address the issues related to the freedom of movement, healthcare, education and missing persons.
The participants agreed to hold their next session on 25-26 March 2014.
