The 30th round of the Geneva International Discussions was held on 10 December 2014. The participants of the Geneva Discussions took part, in their individual capacity, in the two Working Groups. The first is focusing on security and stability in the occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia, and the second - on the issues related to the safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees to the places of their original residence. The discussions were co-chaired by the representatives of the EU, the UN and the OSCE, and attended by the participants from Georgia, the Russian Federation and the United States. The Head of the Provisional Administration of the former South Ossetian Autonomous District and the Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, as well as the representatives of the Sokhumi and Tskhinvali occupation regimes took part in the discussions. The participants have discussed all agenda items of the two Working Groups.
On the 9th of December, the Information Session was held on the "Disaster Risk Reduction". The invited experts familiarized the participants with the main mechanisms of the disaster risk reduction and its effectiveness. In the course of the Working Group I and the Working Group II on the 10th of December, the participants from Georgia extensively discussed the disturbing security and humanitarian implications of the so-called "treaty on alliance and strategic partnership" initiated by the Kremlin and signed with the Abkhazia occupation regime in Sochi on the 24th of November 2014. It was once again reiterated that this illegal action of the Russian Federation is directed against Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and constitutes a further step taken by Moscow towards the annexation of Georgia's occupied region of Abkhazia. Furthermore, in the light of recent alarming developments in the region, the signing of this document is a clear manifestation of Russia's intention to hinder the pro-Western policies of the sovereign states, including by means of occupation and annexation. Within the both Working Groups, the participants from Georgia called upon the Russian Federation to desist from its actions that contravene with the international legal obligations, including those under the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement. Some participants attempted to derail the discussions by introducing the issues irrelevant to the working agenda. Georgia appreciates the firm support of the international community, decisive as a part of joint efforts to bring Russia's destructive activities to an end. Georgia will continue making use of all the resources at its disposal to consolidate the support of the international community, essential given the absence of international arrangements in the occupied regions and Russia's refusal to commit itself to the non-use of force.Within the Working Group I, under the agenda item related to the overview of security situation on the ground, Georgian participants expressed their utter concern over the large scale exercise conducted by the Russian 58th Army involving advanced Russian offensive military equipment. After Georgia's numerous calls upon the Russian Federation to stop its destructive policy against Georgia and fulfill the 12 August Ceasefire Agreement, Georgian participants strongly appealed to the Co-Chairs to undertake proactive approach to prevent the escalation of the security situation on the ground.
Georgia remains committed to its legally binding non-use of force pledge, strengthened by a number of its unilateral undertakings that Russia refuses to reciprocate. Georgia fully and in good faith fulfills the Ceasefire Agreement prohibiting the non-use of force that is continuously violated by the Russian Federation. During this round, the Georgian participants have engaged constructively in the drafting of the statement of the participants of the Geneva International Discussions on the non-use of force, initiated by the Co-Chairs. However, it was clearly stressed that this statement should in no way substitute the non-use of force commitment from the Russian Federation. Currently, in the context of the unprecedented militarization of the occupied regions of Georgia, as well as the intensive military exercises, the legally binding non-use of force commitment of the Russian Federation towards Georgia is imperative. Moreover, considering the growing assertiveness of the Russian Federation and its efforts to prevent the independent neighboring countries from choosing their alliances through violating their territorial integrity and sovereignty, only valid and functional international mechanisms can provide a solid guarantee to Georgia's security and stability. Georgian participants appealed to the Co-Chairs to double their efforts aimed at the establishment of international security arrangements.
In the framework of the Working Group II, Georgian participants raised the issues related to the humanitarian and human rights consequences of Russia's illegal activities along the occupation line and in its adjacent areas. Participants from Georgia expressed their grave concern over the discriminatory practices exercised by the Russian occupation forces against the Georgian population in both Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions and the violation of the social, economic and cultural rights of the local residents. Particular emphasis was put on the evidences of restrictions of right to freedom of movement and right of education in the native language. The Georgian representatives called upon the participants to respect fundamental rights and freedoms of the local population irrespective of their ethnic origins. In this view, the participants from Georgia welcomed the proposal by the Representative of the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights to establish the international human rights monitoring mechanisms on the ground.
The Georgian participants once again stressed the importance of ensuring the right of IDPs to safe and dignified return, in accordance with the "Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement". Deplorably, the participants from the occupied Tskhinvali region opted for walking out from the discussions on this key issue. All participants were urged to make efforts to ensure the meaningful discussions on the rights of the forcefully displaced persons.
Constructive discussions took place on the issue of the preservation of the cultural heritage. The spirit of openness in the discussions on these questions encouraged the participants to continue work with a view of reaching tangible results to this end.
The Georgian participants appreciated the opportunity to exchange views with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Antonio Guterres at the sidelines of the Geneva Discussions, who called upon the participants to do their utmost to resolve the existing humanitarian challenges.
The Georgian side expressed its appreciation for the dedication and input of the Head of the EUMM, Mr. Toivo Klaar and wished him success in his future endeavours. The next 31st round of the Geneva International Discussions will be held on 17-18 March 2015.