The International Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in Transcaucasia remain the only international platform for South Ossetia and Abkhazia where they can voice their position to the world community.
This was noted by the head of the South Ossetian Foreign Ministry, Akhsar Dzhioev, at the press conference in Tskhinval, emphasizing the importance of the format.
The 64th round of these talks ended in the late June, and according to the Minister, the main issues discussed throughout all rounds since 2008 are security in the region and humanitarian problems.
“It is important to note here that the fundamental thing for us, for our Abkhaz colleagues, is the existence of the legally binding document on the non-use of force by Georgia against South Ossetia and Abkhazia. This is the main issue that our participants in this process and our Abkhaz colleagues have been trying to convey to the Georgian party over the course of the 64 meetings,” Dzhioev said.
According to him, no specific agreements on ensuring security have been reached. The Georgian party is not willing to compromise.
“The situation is also slightly aggravated by the fact that the Georgian party is trying to bring the refugee issue to the UN General Assembly every year. At the same time, representatives of South Ossetia and Abkhazia are denied the access to this platform,” Dzhioev has clarified.
In this regard, the South Ossetian and Abkhaz delegations do not discuss the refugee issue at the Geneva discussions.
“We believe this is correct, since any process must take into account mutual interests. If the opinion of, in particular, South Ossetia, is not heard from the UN rostrum, then this is not entirely correct, not only from the point of view of diplomacy and politics, but also from a human point of view,” Dzhioev has noted.
The Foreign Minister has reminded that Georgia's aggressive actions were recorded in the report of the International Commission of Inquiry into the Causes of the War, headed by Heidi Tagliavini.
"The fact that Georgia is the aggressor is not our subjective position; it was recorded in the report. It is clearly stated there that Georgia carried out aggression. Therefore, it is not entirely clear to us why the UN does not allow our representatives to its platform so that we can voice our positions," he said.
According to the Minister, this is a clear example of double standards in the modern politics.
"The next discussions are scheduled for November this year. The agenda will be the same. Our delegates will try to advance the issues related to security. Without a security guarantee, no processes or other issues will be able to move forward, since there are no guarantees for their advancement," Dzhioev has added.
The Foreign Minister has expressed hope for progress, having noted that all the necessary efforts will be made to advance these issues.