Statement by the United States Delegation to the Geneva Discussions
Geneva, Switzerland
The United States was pleased to participate in the ninth round of the Geneva Discussions. We welcome the Co-Chairs’ efforts to identify interim steps that can both improve the security situation on the ground and lay the groundwork for more far-reaching arrangements. One such step the Geneva Process has already taken, the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRM), has provided an important forum for addressing issues of concern on a regular and pragmatic basis. We regret, however, that the operation of the IPRM for South Ossetia has been suspended for three months, and we hope that all participants will agree to reconvene this important mechanism without delay.