On December 5-6, 2023, the 59th round of the Geneva International Discussions on Security and Stability in the Transcaucasia took place in Geneva, in which representatives of the Republic of Abkhazia, the Republic of South Ossetia, Georgia, the Russian Federation and the United States took part. Discussions were co-chaired by the UN, EU and OSCE.
The Abkhazian delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia Iraklii Tuzhba. The delegation also included the head of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Lasha Avidzba, the head of the Department of the Middle East and Africa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Artur Gaguliia, Deputy Chairman of the State Security Service of the Republic of Abkhazia Zaal Khvartskiia, Vice-Speaker of the People's Assembly-Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia Astamur Arshba and Member of Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia Batal Dzhopua.
During the regular round, the Abkhazian side focused special attention on the need to sign a legally binding document on international guarantees of non-use of force. Coordination of this document is a key issue on the agenda in accordance with the principles reflected in paragraph 6 of the Medvedev-Sarkozy agreements.
Georgian participants once again failed to demonstrate a constructive approach and refused to discuss peace initiatives aimed at ensuring stability and security in Transcaucasia. This key question remains open.
The meeting participants also discussed other issues related to local security. It was noted that the situation in the region maintains signs of stability and is characterized as relatively calm.
Almost all meeting participants confirmed the need to resume the work of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Gal as one of the important elements of ensuring local security.
The Abkhazian side made further proposals aimed at restoring the work of this mechanism, which also did not receive support from Georgian participants.
As part of the work of the Working group 2, a number of humanitarian issues were discussed. In particular, the Abkhazian side once again focused attention on the problem of international isolation and freedom of movement around the world.
Abkhazian participants regularly call on EU and US representatives to consider recognizing Abkhazian national passports as travel documents in accordance with current international practice.
A number of other humanitarian issues were also discussed during the round.
The next, 60th round of the Geneva International Discussions on Security and Stability in the Transcaucasia is scheduled for April 2024.