On the 53rd Round of Geneva International Discussions
As delivered by Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Elisabeth Rosenstock-Siller
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
July 8, 2021
Thank you, Madam Chair.
During the 53rd round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) on the conflict in Georgia, the United States stressed the continuing relevance and significance of the GID as the only format specifically dedicated to addressing the consequences of the 2008 Russo-Georgia conflict. The United States welcomed the GID Co-Chairs’ decision to organize an information session and discussion among participants on comprehensive human security, and expressed support for initiatives aimed at improving human security by understanding and addressing the needs of conflict-affected communities throughout Georgia. The United States urged all participants to find cooperative paths forward to promote the security and prosperity of the population on the ground in tangible ways.
The United States urged participants to end practices that undermine the well-being of conflict-affected people, including borderization and restrictions on movement of local populations.
The U.S. delegation underscored the importance of lifting restrictions on Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) crossings wherever and whenever pandemic conditions allow and taking additional measures to facilitate restoration of cross-ABL trade, livelihoods, education, and family contacts as the pandemic recedes.
The U.S. delegation emphasized the release of detainees and action on missing person cases are critical steps toward resolving the conflict and building trust. The delegation welcomed progress on some missing persons cases—highlighting the identification and return of 14 individuals’ remains to their families in April—while stressing the need for continued work on all remaining cases. The United States urged all participants to make full use of the GID, hotlines, Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism meetings, and other existing opportunities for contact to improve the situation on the ground.
The U.S. delegation encouraged all participants to renew their focus on implementation of the EU-mediated 2008 six-point ceasefire agreement as the core mandate of the GID. The United States further urged participants to support the GID Co-Chairs in their efforts to facilitate humanitarian access to all populations affected by the conflict in accordance with the agreement.
The United States reiterated its support for the commitments undertaken in accordance with the 2008 ceasefire agreement not to use force to resolve the conflict, and for Georgia’s unilateral 2010 non-use of force commitment. The United States underscored its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the conflict, as evidenced by continued U.S. participation in the GID and other concrete steps.
The United States welcomed the efforts of the EU Monitoring Mission, the OSCE, the UN and other GID participants to promote women’s meaningful participation in conflict resolution processes, conduct gender analyses of the ongoing conflict, and address the needs of conflict-affected women. The U.S. delegation expressed strong support for the Co-Chairs’ proposal to continue discussion of women in conflict in future rounds.
The United States regrets there was no discussion of the critical issue of internally displaced persons and refugee returns due to a walk-out by participants from Russia and de facto authorities.
The United States calls on Russia to fulfil its obligation under the August 2008 ceasefire agreement to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions.
We also call on Russia to reverse its recognition of the so-called independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and fulfill its commitment to provide unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and for humanitarian organizations to be provided prompt, unfettered access to all detainees. The United States remains deeply concerned by ongoing detentions along the Administrative Boundary Lines.
The United States reiterates its strong and continuing support for Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We will continue to work with Georgia, the Group of Friends of Georgia at the OSCE, within the framework of the Geneva International Discussions, and in other international fora to hold Russia to account.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
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