Irakli Tuzhba Met with Co-Chairs of the Geneva Discussions
The sides discussed the agenda of the upcoming 58th round of discussions, which will take place on July 11-12, 2023.
SUKHUM / AQW'A — The Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia, Irakli Tuzhba, convened a significant meeting with international representatives on June 28, 2023. As stated on the Abkhazian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' official website, the attendees included the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar, the UN Representative Cihan Sultanoğlu, and the Special Representative of the current OSCE Chairman for the South Caucasus, Viorel Moșanu.
Representing Abkhazia alongside Deputy Minister Tuzhba were Zaal Khvartskiya, Deputy Chairman of the State Security Service, and Lasha Avidzba and Artur Gagulia, officials from the Abkhazian Foreign Ministry. The focal point of this crucial gathering was a comprehensive discussion on the upcoming 58th round of the International Geneva Discussions.
Tuzhba opened the proceedings by emphasizing Abkhazia's steadfast stance on the non-aggression pact with Georgia. The Deputy Minister reiterated the importance of this key aspect within the broader scope of the International Geneva Discussions, notwithstanding the region's current relative stability.
"In the previous period, we have not observed any serious incidents in the border area. However, the significant presence of NATO forces within Georgia's territory is a source of profound concern," Tuzhba commented, highlighting the tension amidst the tranquillity.
He also expressed significant concern over recent calls to initiate what is being referred to as a 'second front.' "Such propositions create justified unease in Abkhazia, and we take these suggestions with utmost seriousness," Tuzhba added.
During the meeting, all participants recognized the necessity to restart the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Gal city, emphasizing its vital role within the International Geneva Discussions framework. Abkhazia demonstrated its proactive attitude by affirming its readiness to discuss this matter further.
The co-chairs of the Geneva Discussions accentuated the importance of ongoing efforts towards ensuring durable security safeguards in the region. Additionally, various humanitarian concerns, including freedom of movement and other pressing issues, were also deliberated upon in view of the forthcoming Geneva Discussions round.
This proactive and anticipatory dialogue sets the stage for the 58th round of the International Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus, scheduled for July 11-12, 2023.