Implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the issue of IDPs return - the 56th round of GID was held after a 9-month break

https://rustavi2.ge/ka/news/239579

The negotiation process at the 56th round of Geneva International Discussions [GID] had been particularly difficult, the Georgian side, as always, had included the fulfilment of the 6-point agreement by Russia in its agenda. Such a statement made the Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia.

“Despite existing difficulties and the challenges, it has been possible to hold the GID. It was a particularly difficult round, as there was a certain break between the rounds, and also today there is a rather complicated security environment around Georgia, which is reflected in the occupied territories as well.

Along with the implementation of the 6-point agreement, the important issues related to the Georgian-Russian conflict, including the return of internally displaced persons to their homes and the security guarantees, as well as international security mechanisms in the Russian-occupied territories were discussed.

Unfortunately, the Georgian side, which has been fulfilling its obligations under the agreement, had not had any positive response from the Russian side that refused to fulfil the mentioned obligations. The process of negotiations continues and meeting after such a long break has been a step forward”, - said Lasha Darsalia.

“At the GID, we [the United States] reaffirmed, as we always do, our strong and continued support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders. The 2008 6-point agreement needs to be implemented, and of course we are concerned about the issues of internally displaced persons, a topic on which we will continue to focus on”, - said Philip Reeker, the US senior advisor for Caucasus negotiations.

“The sides had had a very useful exchange of views, it had been a useful meeting with everyone committed to continuing working in the Geneva format”, - added Toivo Klaar, the European Union special representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia.