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.
