PRESS RELEASE : 57th round of Geneva International Discussions – UK statement to the OSCE [April 2023]

Thank you, Mr Chair. The United Kingdom continues to strongly support the Geneva International Discussions (GID) and the work of the GID Co-Chairs against a highly challenging geopolitical environment. As the only international forum that brings together all sides from the conflict, the GID plays a vital role in trying to achieve a lasting resolution.

The UK reaffirms full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We call on the Russian Federation to reverse its recognition of the so-called independence of Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions. We applaud Georgia’s commitment not to use force in resolving the conflict and condemn any suggestion that Georgia or its allies, including the UK, would seek a military solution against Russian aggression.

We welcome local level collaboration that achieves tangible results for those living within the conflict-affected area through the Ergneti Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism and partial reopening of the two crossing points in the South Ossetia region. However, we regret that important issues, including Internally Displaced Persons, refugees, water, and gas were not discussed by the working groups following a walkout by some of the participants, and we call for the full re-opening of crossing points.

We also call upon the Russian Federation to immediately fulfil its obligation under the ceasefire agreement to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, to fulfil its commitments to allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and to cease all borderization tactics. Thank you.