Geneva,
October 10, 2014
The United States participated in the 29th round of the Geneva International Discussions on the conflict in Georgia. We were pleased with the constructive atmosphere of the talks in both working groups, as well as participants’ readiness to work with the Co-Chairs on key issues. Future discussions should lead to progress on reversing “borderization,” removing restrictions on freedom of movement along the Administrative Boundary Lines (ABLs), and concluding a non-use of force agreement between Georgia and Russia. We called on the de facto authorities in the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions of Georgia to protect the human rights of all residents. We are hopeful that participants will build on the constructive approach taken in discussions on humanitarian issues.
The United States reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders, and called on Russia to fulfill all of its commitments under the 2008 ceasefire agreement.