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5 Oct 2022, 16:52

Russia’s MFA slams suspension of Geneva Discussions as part of anti-Russian policy

it is reported that despite a months-long break in discussions and attempts by non-regional players to stoke tensions, the situation in the border areas of Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia remains "relatively calm"

MOSCOW, October 5. /TASS/. Some participants in the Geneva Discussions on the South Caucasus suspended the platform’s activities for nine months as part of their anti-Russian policy, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday following another round of discussions.

"Russia pointed to the destructive actions of some participants in the discussions, who suspended the Geneva platform’s work for nine months as part of their anti-Russian policy. We stressed that it was unacceptable to let such a situation happen again," the statement reads.

"We called on the co-chairs to refrain from politicizing the negotiation process and focus on crucial issues related to security and stability in the South Caucasus," the statement said.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, despite a months-long break in discussions and attempts by non-regional players to stoke tensions, the situation in the border areas of Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia remains "relatively calm." "An ongoing dialogue on other negotiating platforms, including hotlines and a mechanism to prevent and respond to incidents on the border between South Ossetia and Georgia in the Ergnet settlement. The next step will be to resume the work of a similar mechanism on the border between Abkhazia and Georgia in the Gal settlement," the ministry stressed.

The delegations of Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia once again highlighted the need for practical activities aimed at making a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force between Georgia on the one side, and Abkhazia and South Ossetia on the other, as well as on the delimitation and demarcation of the border, which would "facilitate efforts to achieve lasting security" in the South Caucasus.

"All participants in the discussions confirmed their interest in restoring a regular negotiation process," the Russian Foreign Ministry added.