The 58th Round of the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia
As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires Katherine Brucker
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
July 20, 2023
The United States notes the 58th round of the Geneva International Discussions on the Conflict in Georgia took place on July 11 and 12. The United States continues to underscore its commitment to a peaceful resolution of this conflict that respects Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
So long as Russia attempts to harden the administrative boundary lines and continues to occupy 20 percent of Georgia’s territory, violating the country’s sovereignty, its claim to be a “mediator” is disingenuous. Russia, as a party to the conflict, must uphold its obligation to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions in line with the EU-mediated 2008 ceasefire agreement. Russia must also fulfill its commitments to allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and to not impede the establishment of additional security measures on the ground.
The United States welcomes the ongoing Ergneti Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism, which met for the 113th time on July 3, co-facilitated by the OSCE Special Representative and EU Monitoring Mission. The United States continues to call for the full reopening of crossing points along the South Ossetia administrative boundary line, for the release of all persons unjustly detained by de facto “authorities” in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and for the immediate resumption of the Gali Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism without preconditions.
The United States remains committed to its partner Georgia and reiterates its strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We stand ready to continue engagement within this format.
###
