On June 20, the 44th round of international discussions was held in Geneva. One of the central themes in the humanitarian group was the issue of the permanent installation of barbed wire and ditches along the dividing lines. The Georgian delegation underscored the fact that the Russian Federation is pursuing a deliberate policy - to prevent the restoration of ties between the peoples and communities.

The special attention was draw on the issues of the freedom of movement. It was noted that Russia has been trying to pursue the policy of russification on the territories of Gali and Akhalgori as well as the whole occupied regions. As a result of this policy, local population do not have access to the education on their native language. Russia's attempts to change the ethnic composition of the occupied territories, including the settlement of repatriates from the Middle East, was mentioned.

One of the main topics of discussions was the death of Archil Tatunashvili. The Georgian side has raised the issue of the transfer of Tatunashvili's organs. Co-chairs and participants from Georgia and USA categorically demand to give Georgia's investigative bodies the opportunity to bring the investigation to the end.

The Georgian side presented to co-chairs and participants of the Geneva international negotiations the interim conclusions of the Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau, which confirms the torture of Archil Tatunashvili. The information about the illegal suppression of freedom to Tutunashvili and the participation of David Gurtsiev and Alik Taboev in the torture of Tatunashvili also was provided (they have been charged in absentia by the Prosecutor's Office of Georgia).

At the meeting, the issue of liability of Russia as the country implementing effective control over the territories was raised. The responsibility of Russia for the death of Giga Otkhozoria and David Basharuli and the necessity of punishment for murders was underlined.

The Georgian side has raised the problem of human rights violations on the occupied territories. Concern about the facts of illegal detentions and kidnappings was expressed. The difficult situation in the humanitarian point of view also was noted.

The Russian delegation left the meeting during the discussing the issue of returning internally displaced persons to their homes. Lasha Darsalia, the First Deputy State Minister of Georgia for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, the Head of Humanitarian Issues group said that, like the previous rounds, it was not possible finish the meeting - its failed because of the Russian delegation's demarche.

"In the Geneva format, the Georgian delegation puts all important issues related to human rights violations and humanitarian situation in the occupied territories. Unfortunately, like the previous rounds, the Russian delegation showed an unconstructive approach to issues. Humanitarian problems still remain unsolved on the occupied territories as a result of such destructive dependence. Despite the multilateral attempts of the Georgian side and the ways of concrete solution, the politicization of humanitarian issues hampers progress in the Geneva talks", - said Lasha Darsalia.

The next round of Geneva talks will be held in October, 2018.