Sergey Shamba Meets with the Co-Chairs of the International Geneva Discussions

SUKHUM / AQW'A ― The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia, Sergey Shamba, held a meeting with the Co-Chairs of the International Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus. The discussions, attended by UN Co-Chair Cihan Sultanoglu, OSCE Co-Chair Viorel Moşanu, and Political Advisor to the EU Co-Chair Gottfried Hanne, focused on key issues, including the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Gal and the importance of maintaining dialogue for peace and stability in the region.

During the meeting, the importance of the Geneva Discussions format was highlighted, and the topic of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Gal was discussed.

Sergey Shamba stated that the Geneva Discussions remain the only platform where "we can address existing issues at this level. One of the key achievements of this process is that ‘guns are silent, and diplomats speak’."

The Minister identified the non-resumption of hostilities and the signing of a peace agreement between the Republic of Abkhazia and Georgia as some of the most critical issues on Abkhazia’s agenda.

The Foreign Minister also noted that if Georgia were to apologise for its actions, this would be welcomed in Abkhazia as a first step towards reconciliation. He added that Georgia must also abandon the use of language that does not contribute to resolving relations, specifically references to so-called 'occupied territories.' In discussions with Western diplomats, the Foreign Minister emphasised that the political status of the Republic of Abkhazia is not subject to any form of negotiation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Sergey Shamba expressed hope for constructive cooperation within the framework of the International Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus.

The Co-Chairs of the International Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus held also a separate meeting with representatives of the Abkhazian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 9 October. According to the Ministry’s press service, the meeting included UN Co-Chair Cihan Sultanoglu, OSCE Co-Chair Viorel Moşanu, and Political Advisor to the EU Co-Chair Gottfried Hanne.

The key focus of the consultations was the agenda for the upcoming 62nd round of the Geneva Discussions and regional security issues. Bigvava underscored the importance of drafting and signing a non-use of force agreement between Abkhazia and Georgia, a critical goal of the Geneva process.

Participants also stressed the need to resume the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Gal. OSCE Co-Chair Viorel Moşanu reiterated that all participants share the common goal of making the Geneva Discussions as productive as possible.

The 62nd round of the International Geneva Discussions is scheduled for 5-6 November 2024.