Geneva International Discussions on the conflict in Georgia: UK-Canada statement
Ambassador Neil Bush reiterates our unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
The UK and Canada welcome that the 53rd Round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) took place in person on 29-30 June. As the only international forum that brings together all sides from the conflict, the GID plays a vital role in trying to achieve a resolution to this ongoing conflict. These discussions could make a real difference to the lives of those on all sides of the Administrative Boundary Lines and it is important that they continue in person on a regular basis following the lack of meetings in 2020.
We remain concerned about the ongoing so-called borderisation activities and the continued restrictions of freedom of movement along the Administrative Boundary Lines which have continued despite the pandemic. These activities only increase the humanitarian crisis created by COVID-19 and have also resulted in the ongoing arbitrary detention of Georgian citizens such as Mr Zaza Gakheladze.
We welcome the recent opening of the Enguri crossing by the defacto authorities of the Georgian region of Abkhazia to its pre-pandemic position. The discussions on potential collective efforts to address the needs of communities following COVID-19 and mitigation of COVID-19’s impact are also a positive development. We urge all sides to engage. We call on the de facto authorities of the Georgian breakaway regions to allow unhindered access to international humanitarian and human rights organizations. This will enable a clear assessment of the situation on the ground to be made.
The Co-Chairs statement highlights the focus within the agenda on the non-use of force and international security arrangements. Although we welcome that participants had a “substantive and frank exchange of views” it is important that these discussions continue and identify specific targets and timeframes so the discussions in this area can move forward on a results basis.
We also welcome the specific discussion around the “Women, Peace and Security” (WPS) framework. It is important to ensure that peace processes are inclusive, and have the full, equal and meaningful participation of women at all levels of decision-making. It is also important to address the ways that the conflict affects genders differently. We look forward to hearing about developments in this area.
We note that an information session on “Comprehensive / Human Security” also took place. It would be helpful to know how this session fed into the main discussions and whether any key issues or objectives were identified.
The above does not cover all the issues discussed during latest round but they highlight the importance of continuing these discussions. It is therefore disappointing that the Co-Chairs press release reports that that some participants continued not to engage on the key humanitarian issues of Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.
The Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism meetings also play an important role in preventing the escalation of the conflict and in helping protect the safety and security of people on the ground. Therefore it is important that the meetings at Gali resume without further delay or pre-conditions. We also continue to support the objectives of the EU Monitoring Mission in monitoring the activities of all sides along the Administrative Boundary Lines.
We reiterate Canada and the UK’s unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Like the majority of the international community, we continue to follow a policy of non-recognition of the self-declared independence of the Georgian breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Russia’s support for the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia is a clear demonstration of a lack of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbour and for the rules based international system.
We call upon the Russian Federation to fulfil immediately its clear obligation under the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, as well as its other commitments under the ceasefire agreement.
We reiterate our support for the Geneva International Discussions and call on all parties to re-double their efforts to engage and to seek a peaceful resolution. In this spirit, we also call on all parties to support, prepare and engage with the next (54th) Round which is planned for 12 and 13 October 2021.