39th round of Geneva International Discussions to be held on March 28-29

The 39th round of Geneva internationally mediated negotiations will be held on March 28-29. 

The Georgian side will raise the issue of Russia’s recent provocative actions in Georgia’s occupied territories with focus on the illegitimacy of holding a referendum on renaming the Tskhinvali region as the Republic of South Ossetia, as well as on the integration of local military groupings with the Russian army and on the continuation of the militarization in both regions, Georgia’s Foreign Ministry reports.

‘The grave consequences of the closure of the so-called checkpoints along the occupation line in Abkhazia and the safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons to the places of their origin.

The Geneva International Discussions provides the only format for resolving the security and humanitarian problems in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, as well as across the occupation line, in full compliance with the Ceasefire Agreement of 12 August 2008. Russia’s non-use of force pledge and the creation of international security mechanisms on the ground are essential prerequisites for the successful peace process.

The Georgian side expresses the hope that the Russian Federation will approach responsibly to the process of negotiations and will participate in both working groups. On its part, the Georgian delegation reaffirms its readiness for constructive cooperation,’ the ministry says.