Press Statement
Geneva,
October 8, 2015
The United States participated in the thirty-third round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) on the conflict in Georgia. Participants held constructive discussions in both working groups, with a particular focus on removing restrictions on freedom of movement and guaranteeing the right to education for all residents in conflict-affected areas. We joined the Co-Chairs of the GID in praising the work of the Ergneti Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism, which helped to repair confidence between participants after increased borderization along the South Ossetia Administrative Boundary Line. We also called for the resumption of the Gali Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism to increase transparency along the Abkhazia Administrative Boundary Line.
We are hopeful that participants will build off these discussions to take practical steps on security and humanitarian issues affecting people on the ground.
The United States reaffirmed its strong commitment to the territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.
(end release)