U.S. Participation in the Geneva International Discussions on the conflict in Georgia
Press Statement by the U.S. Delegation
Geneva
March 29, 2018
At the forty-third round of the Geneva International Discussions on the conflict in Georgia, March 27-28, the United States condemned the tragic death of Georgian citizen Archil Tatunashvili following his arrest and detention in South Ossetia in February and the unacceptable delay in the return of his remains. The U.S. delegation called for a full and transparent investigation. The United States cited the tragic death as the most recent example underscoring the immediate need for international mechanisms to improve security and stability on the ground.
The United States also called for greater access to the occupied territories for the diplomatic community and human rights organizations. The United States notes that there was not agreement on a non-use of force statement.
The United States regrets that participants were not able to discuss internally displaced persons because of Russia’s walk-out in Working Group II.
Together with Georgia, Russia, and representatives of the de facto authorities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the United States participates in the Geneva International Discussions, which are co-chaired by the EU, UN, and OSCE.
The United States fully supports Georgia’s territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders.