U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

Press Statement
Geneva,
June 20, 2018

At the forty-forth round of the Geneva International Discussion (GID) in the conflict in Georgia, June 19-20, the United States reiterated its support for Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The United States again called on Ru‎ssia to fulfill its obligations under the 2008 cease fire agreement, including the withdrawal of Russian forces to pre-war positions.

The U.S. Delegation continued to press for greater cooperation by the de facto authorities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in conducting full and transparent investigations into the deaths of Archil Tatunashvili and Giga Otkhozoria.

The United States recognized differences of opinion regarding a way forward on a non-use of force statement, urging continued good-faith and constructive negotiations in upcoming Geneva rounds‎. The United States continues to support efforts to improve regional security and stability.

The United States regrets that participants were not able to discuss internally displaced persons because of the walk-out by the representatives of Russia and the de facto authorities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Working Group II. The United States also regrets the lack of progress on other humanitarian issues such as freedom of movement and mother tongue education for children.

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, and began in 2008 to address the consequences of the conflict in Georgia.

The United States fully supports Georgia’s territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders.