The 57th Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia
As delivered by Deputy Chief of Mission Courtney Austrian
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
April 20, 2023
The United States notes the 57th round of the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia (GID) took place on April 5 and 6. The United States underscores our commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to this conflict that respects Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
I urge Russia, as a party to the conflict, to uphold its obligation to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions in line with the 2008 EU-mediated ceasefire agreement. I also call on Russia to fulfill its commitments to allow free access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the establishment of additional security measures on the ground. Russia’s claim that it is a “mediator” is disingenuous while it attempts to harden the administrative boundary lines and continues to occupy 20 percent of Georgia’s territory, violating the country’s sovereignty.
I am pleased that the OSCE and EU Monitoring Mission convened a meeting of the Ergneti Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism on March 2. I note the release of two detainees and encourage the de facto authorities to release all unjustly detained persons. I call for the full reopening of crossing points on the administrative boundary lines and for the immediate resumption of the Gali IPRM without preconditions.
The United States remains committed to our partner Georgia and reiterates our strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We stand ready for constructive engagement within this format.
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