45th round of international discussions was held in Geneva on October 9-10. Central topic of discussion was assurance of efficient operation of Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRM), need of enforcement of justice on the cases of murder of Archil Tatunashvili, Giga Otkhozoria and David Basharuli, the issue of non-use of force, human rights situation in the occupied territories and return of IDPs.

During the discussion, work was conducted traditionally in two groups, working on security and humanitarian issues. In Humanitarian group, Georgian party was headed by First Deputy Minister of Reconciliation and Human Equality of Georgia Lasha Darsalia.

Co-chairpersons and participants assessed the history of Geneva at the 10th anniversary of commencement of discussions. The role and significance of Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRM) in the matters of prevention of escalation of conflict was also mentioned.

Georgian delegation focused on the existing situation in the occupied territories and mentioned that the existing situation is inappropriate for the present epoch.

The facts of violation of the rights of ethnically Georgian population, living in the occupied territories, were stressed. Closure of the so-called check-points, limitation of the freedom of movement, illegal deprivation of liberty, limitation of education in native language, ensuring access to their own lands for the population and the problems, created as a result of installation of barbed wires were mentioned.

“From the viewpoint of human rights, the situation is very grave in Gali and Akhalgori districts. We always raise these issues during discussions. Unfortunately, it shall be mentioned that Russian delegation, including Tskhinvali and Sokhumi representatives, continues destructive approach. They practically try to avoid these issues and get rid of responsibility. It shall be stressed that not only our, but the international participants’ position was unambiguous and quite strict” – First Deputy State Minister stated.

Safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons was raised as one of the central issued in Humanitarian group. But, as soon as discussion of this issue started, the members of delegation of Russian Federation, including participants from Sokhumi and Tskhinvali, left the meeting, like previous rounds.                       

The next round of negotiations will be held on December 11-12, 2018.