Point of Clarification on the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia
As delivered by Political Counselor Gregory Macris
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
October 17, 2019
Thank you Mr. Chair,
A few moments ago, the esteemed Russian Ambassador made a point of issuing a clarification on the situation in Georgia. Allow me briefly to make my own clarification, if you will, specifically referring to the terminology he used. On several occasions the Ambassador referred to the “border” between South Ossetia and Georgia, and the “border” between Abkhazia and Georgia. In the English language, at least, the customary usage of “border” concerns the demarcation of a frontier that is agreed upon by the leadership and the peoples of the two countries. I find it difficult to believe that that definition would fit to describe the administrative lines between Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Georgia. And I don’t find it coincidental that, of the 57 participating States in this room, only one State uses that term.
Thank you.
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