Press Releases

Press Communique of the Co-chairs of Geneva Discussions

18.06.2014
The twenty-eighth session of the Geneva International Discussions has been concluded.

In Working Group I, the participants began a discussion on the security situation on the ground. The co-Chairs appreciated the overall calm and stable situation despite some repeated incidents such as increased detentions of civilians in the South Ossetian context. In this regard, the co-Chairs welcomed the attitude adopted by local actors to ensure a swift and prompt release of those detained. Some concerns were raised regarding the lack of clarity in crossing procedures in Akhalgori district.

The participants also reviewed the work done in the IPRM framework. They urged the participants to find a compromise on the resumption of the Gali IPRM meetings and welcomed the work done within the Ergneti IPRM.

The Co-Chairs deeply regret the disruption of Working Group II due to disagreements on certain agenda points among participants. The Co-Chairs immediately engaged bilaterally with all participants in order to find ways to resume the session in this Working Group, which is essential for confidence-building and resolution of humanitarian issues. The Co-Chairs reiterated that the topics discussed within Working Group II are purely humanitarian and should not be politicized. They reminded participants that humanitarian-related issues are part of the Geneva International Discussions’ mandate.Therefore, the failure to address them is a worrying development. The Co-Chairs will continue their consultations with all participants in the near future in order to find mutually acceptable solutions for the important work done in this framework.

The participants agreed to hold their next session on 7-8 October 2014.
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