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THE MFA HELD A MEETING WITH CO-CHAIRS OF THE INTERNATIONAL GENEVA DISCUSSION ON SECURITY AND STABILITY IN THE CAUCASUS

Wednesday, 17 November 2021 15:46 448

Sukhum. November 16, 2021. Apsnypress. Deputy Foreign Minister Irakli Tuzhba met with the co-chairs of the International Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in the Transcaucasus - EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar, UN Representative Cihan Sultanoglu and Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in the South Caucasus Annika Söder.

The main reason for the meeting was the upcoming 55th round of the Geneva Discussions, which will take place on December 7-8.

Irakli Tuzhba noted: “You know that the issue of the need to agree on a document on international guarantees of the non-use of force remains a priority for us. Unfortunately, in recent years we have noted that this key issue has been consigned to oblivion. We would like to update the work in this direction. The Abkhazian delegation at the Geneva Discussions regularly comes up with new proposals for a way out of the current crisis. However, we see that the Georgian side is not ready to accept any compromise decisions. In this regard, I would like to appeal to you so that you would contribute to intensifying the discussion of agreeing a document on the non-use of force. "

Tuzhba stressed that the Abkhaz side is also concerned about the ongoing process of building up Georgia's military potential with participation of partners from the NATO bloc. “You know that military exercises are held in Georgia on a regular basis under the auspices of NATO. In addition, Georgia is actively pursuing the modernization of its armed forces with the support of the United States of America and other NATO countries. Naturally, all these processes affect stability and security both in the region and in our republic, ” he said.

According to Tuzhba, Abkhazia is also worried about the buildup of the military presence of the US naval forces in the Black Sea. Tuzhba noted that Abkhazia is closely following the maneuvers of American ships and reserves the right to react to them. According to Deputy Foreign Minister, such actions of the United States and other partners of Georgia create conditions for further escalation of tension in the region.

“Given that the Geneva format is working in two groups, we are ready to discuss current humanitarian issues related to medical care, access to international education and freedom of movement within the framework of the second working group. These are also topical issues for the Abkhaz side that we regularly raise, " Tuzhba summed up.

For his part, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Taiwo Klaar said: “We look forward to fruitful discussions during the 55th round. We also plan to raise the issue of guaranteeing peace in the region and the non-use of force. As for the humanitarian issues you mentioned, they are really relevant. We also look forward to a constructive discussion of these issues. "