On the 56th Round of the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia
As delivered by Political Counselor Elisabeth Rosenstock-Siller
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
October 13, 2022
The United States takes note of the 56th round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) on the Conflict in Georgia, which took place in Geneva on October 5th. The United States remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Georgia.
The United States calls upon the Russian Federation, as a party to the conflict, to fulfill immediately its clear commitment under the EU-mediated August 12, 2008, ceasefire to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, as well as to uphold its commitments to allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and not to impede creation of international security arrangements on the ground. The occupation of 20 percent of Georgia’s territory by Russia’s forces undermines Georgia’s sovereignty, as does Russia’s ongoing borderization.
We are pleased with the functioning of the Ergneti Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), which defuses tensions at the local level and delivers concrete results to people living within this conflict-affected area, and we call for the reopening of the Gali IPRM. We note the temporary reopening of two crossing points on the administrative boundary line with the South Ossetia region of Georgia and call for their full reopening, which would have a positive impact for communities in conflict-affected areas.
Mr. Chair, the United States reiterates its strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally-recognized borders.
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