Press Release
The United States Participated in the 28th Round of Geneva International Discussions on the conflict in Georgia
Geneva, June 18, 2014
The United States participated in the 28th round of Geneva International Discussions on the conflict in Georgia. These discussions are a vital tool in our efforts to reduce tensions, address humanitarian needs, and implement the commitments made in the 2008 ceasefire agreement. The decision by the South Ossetian and Abkhaz participants to cut short their participation in the working group on humanitarian affairs ran counter to these goals, damaged efforts to resolve these issues through dialogue, and brought this round of discussions to an abrupt conclusion.
We remain hopeful that our next meeting will address the urgent need for unrestricted access to the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions for the EU Monitoring Mission and humanitarian organizations. We appreciate the ongoing efforts of the co-chairs to restart the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism for the Abkhazia region, and to help the participants reach consensus on a statement affirming their commitment to the non-use or threat of force. Freedom of movement throughout the internationally recognized territory of Georgia remains an important principle in these discussions. We repeat our call for the removal of physical barriers along the administrative boundary lines, and for transparency and flexibility in facilitating movement and ensuring access to services.
These talks continue to offer an important forum with the potential to improve security in the region and address the humanitarian needs of people affected by the conflict. The United States remains committed to making progress on these issues. We encourage all participants to work within the agreed structure and agenda of these talks to develop pragmatic solutions and advance our shared objectives.