The 66th round of the Geneva International Discussions on security and stability in Transcaucasia concluded in Geneva. The meeting, which was attended by representatives of Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Georgia, Russia, and the United States, as well as the co-chairs from the UN, OSCE, and the EU, once again demonstrated the fundamental differences in the parties' approaches to the current state of affairs in the region.

Following the discussions, Oleg Bartsits, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia, made a statement in which he stated that the Abkhazian side had outlined a position that, in Sukhum's view, is not subject to revision.

"We have declared new realities that our neighbors – Georgia – must accept, whether they want it or not," the Foreign Minister emphasized. Two sovereign states have emerged on the world political map: the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia. This is not a subject for bargaining or discussion, but a fait accompli."

During the 66th round, the focus was traditionally on security issues. Due to the complex global situation, the Discussions participants continued work on a joint document on the non-use of force. Representatives of Abkhazia and South Ossetia insist on including mechanisms in this document that would take into account their status and guarantee the security of the peoples of the republics. The parties confirmed their intention to continue consultations to develop mutually acceptable language, despite remaining differences.

"There is no alternative to a peaceful resolution of this issue, and the current status quo in the region must be taken into account by all participants in the negotiation process," stated Oleg Bartsits, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia.

In addition to the political block, humanitarian issues were discussed, as well as prospects for resuming work within the IPRM format in Gal.

The next, 67th round of negotiations, is tentatively scheduled for July 1 of this year.