On 26-th round of Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in Transcaucasia
Another round of Geneva Discussions of Security and Stability in Transcaucasia took place in Geneva on 17-18 December 2013. At the session participated representatives of Republic of South Ossetia, Republic of Abkhazia, Georgia, Russian Federation, United States as well as representatives of the EU, UN, OSCE. Delegation of South Ossetia was headed by Presidential Envoy on post conflict resolution M. K. Jioev.
The work was carried out in two working groups. The group on security noted that situation in areas bordering Republic of South Ossetia, Republic of Abkhazia and Georgia was relatively stable without serious incidents. Presented statics confirmed significant decrease of the number of border violations in the area. At the same time were highlighted destabilizing and provocative acts of the Georgian side on intensifying informational tensions, speculations with the interests of the local population, residing in bordering areas, with regards to works carried by relevant authorities of Republic of South Ossetia on delimitation of the border line. Representatives of South Ossetia reminded the Georgian side about their suggestion to do joint works on delimitation of the border line.
Representatives of Geneva Discussions noted significance of the joint incident prevention and response mechanism (IPRM) and monthly meetings that were carried out in the area of the border between South Ossetia and Georgia.
A lot of attention was paid to non use of force, the main mandate of the discussions. Considering that the Georgian side was again not ready to discuss neither the existing drafts of the bilateral agreements on non use of force, no the text of the joint declaration of the participants, South Ossetian delegation suggested the participants to state their commitment to non use of force verbally. Georgian side was not ready to even for an oral declaration.
Under the discussions on security and humanitarian situation were raised issues related to people missing in action. The second working group presented video materials to prove that some of the missing citizens of South Ossetia are with the Georgian security agencies. Representatives of South Ossetia again suggested the Georgian side to implement mutual release of the prisoners. An opinion exchange on a number of humanitarian issues took place.
A joint session of the two working groups on the results of the round took place to close the discussions.
The next meeting is planned for the end of March 2014.
Geneva, 19 December 2013