U.S. Participation in the Geneva International Discussions on the conflict in Georgia
Press Statement by the U.S. Delegation
At the forty-fifth round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) on the conflict in Georgia, October 9-10, the United States solemnly acknowledged the ten years that have passed since the 2008 conflict and the first GID, and encouraged participants to seek tangible ways forward to improve the security and humanitarian situation on the ground. The United States also noted with concern the current difficulties regarding the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meetings, among the most successful GID-based initiatives to date. The delegation urged participants to resume the IPRM meetings as soon as possible.
The United States reiterated its support for greater cooperation from the de facto Abkhaz and South Ossetian authorities in conducting full and transparent investigations into the deaths of Georgian citizens Archil Tatunashvili and Giga Otkhozoria.
The U.S. Delegation again expressed concern over the failure to implement fully the terms of the 2008 ceasfire agreement, especially with regard to the withdrawal of Russian forces to pre-2008 positions and the establishment of international security mechanisms.
The United States regrets that participants were unable to discuss internally displaced persons because of the Russian-led walk-out from 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 GID, which are co-chaired by the EU, UN, and OSCE.
The United States fully supports Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.