MFA: Georgian Side Raised Issue of De-occupation at Zalkaliani-Lavrov Meeting

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has released the statement regarding the recent meeting between Georgian and Russian Foreign Ministers David Zalkaliani and Sergey Lavrov, held for the first time after the suspension of diplomatic ties since August 2008 War.

“Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.  The meeting was held at the initiative and through the mediation of the Swiss Confederation.

At the meeting, the Georgian side raised the issue of de-occupation of its regions.  Conversations also included the security situation and the recent developments in Georgia’s occupied territories, as well as problematic issues in the relations between Georgia and Russia”, – reads the statement released by Georgian MFA.

“We decided that it was important to take this step, as it would be the first opportunity to speak directly to the Russian Federation at such a level,” - Foreign Minister Davit Zalkaliani said.

“Of course, we discussed everything. The main topics of discussion were de-occupation, illegal borderization, as well as many problematic issues in the Russian-Georgian relations, including those related to the Geneva talks, Georgia's position and Russia's attitude to Georgia. We will definitely inform our partners about this meeting and continue to discuss what steps should be taken to de-escalate the situation,” he added.

Related Story: EU, UN, OSCE Welcome Meeting of Georgian-Russian FMs

By Ana Dumbadze