Online Meeting with Co-chairs of Geneva Int’l Discussions Held on May 12
On May 12, 2020, members of the Georgian delegation to the Geneva International Discussions held an online meeting with the co-chairs from the European Union, the United Nations and the OSCE. From the Georgian side, the meeting was chaired by Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia.
The Georgian representatives focused on provocations intensified by Russia during the global pandemic, regarding the erection of artificial barriers on the occupation line, including near the village of Takhtisdziri, as well as on the tactics of the Moscow hybrid war and deliberate deformation against Georgia. It was noted that Russia's destructive actions are aimed at further destabilizing the situation on the ground, while the attention of the whole world is drawn to the defeat of the pandemic.
The situation in the occupied territories of Georgia was discussed at the meeting in terms of the spread of coronavirus. It was underlined that the humanitarian and human rights situation has worsened. Focus was put on the problems of the population living in Gali and Akhalgori districts. The Georgian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue constructive engagement in providing appropriate humanitarian and medical assistance to the conflict-affected population.
Particular attention was paid to the need for Russia to comply with the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008. In this context, the role of the Geneva International Talks in the withdrawal of the occupation troops from the territory of Georgia and the establishment of international security mechanisms on the ground was emphasized.
The Georgian side stressed the need for effective involvement of the co-chair international organizations of Geneva discussions to ensure the cessation of illegal provocations on the occupation line.
The parties agreed to continue their efforts to promote security on the ground and improve the humanitarian situation.
Source: MFA of Georgia
By Mariam Merabishvili