US Embassy Urges Full Participation in GID on Conflict in Georgia

The US Embassy in Tbilisi echoes Georgia’s concern regarding the cancellation of the October 6-7 round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) due to the decision of one participant not to attend.

"The American delegation was fully prepared to attend discussions in Geneva this week, as well as the discussions scheduled for September that were also canceled by the same participant.  We thank all those involved in hosting the GID for working to ensure meetings can be held as safely as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. All GID participants should demonstrate their commitment to the implementation of the 2008 ceasefire agreement and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Georgia by participating fully and in person in the December GID round.  

"Now more than ever, the GID is crucial to facilitate dialogue on critical security and humanitarian issues, including the needs of IDPs and other vulnerable populations who have suffered disproportionately as result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

"We condemn the ongoing imprisonment of Georgian citizens detained by Russian-led forces and call for their immediate release.  The deaths of several Georgian citizens who lost their lives after the de facto South Ossetian authorities denied emergency medical evacuations and humanitarian aid is deplorable.  Russian efforts to discredit the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia, which has continued its vital work even at this difficult time, must stop. 

"The United States firmly supports Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders," reads the statement released by the Embassy. 

Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia stated that the 51st round of the Geneva International Talks scheduled for October 6-7 was disrupted by the representatives of the Russian Federation.

By Ana Dumbadze

Related Story: MFA Georgia: Russia Disrupted the 51st Round of the Geneva Talks