The in-depth consultations between the Co-Chairs of the International Discussions on Security and Stability in Transcaucasia demonstrate the readiness of all parties to continue working together. This was stated by Christoph Späti, the OSCE Co-Chair of the format, at the briefing in Tskhinval following a meeting with his South Ossetian counterparts.
The diplomat has noted that the participants intend to continue interacting on key issues: security, freedom of movement, and the fate of detainees.
According to him, the mediators traditionally hold preliminary consultations before each round of the International Discussions. The next meeting is scheduled for November 10-11.
Späti has reminded that guarantees of the non-use of force and humanitarian aspects remain central to the agenda.
"We are convinced that freedom of movement benefits everyone—both economically and in terms of addressing health issues," the OSCE representative has noted.
He also welcomed the recent simplification of the regime at two border crossing points, calling it "a very important step," but added that the parties could take further measures.
The diplomat also discussed the work of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM).
According to him, the latest meeting of the format was held in October, and the next is scheduled for December. The Co-Chair called the release of four citizens during the last meeting encouraging.
"We hope that there will be no more detentions in the future," he has stated.
Späti has emphasized that each such incident is examined in detail both at the IPRM meetings and during the preliminary consultations before the Geneva rounds.
Responding to a question about the detained Tamaz Goloev, the OSCE representative called on the parties to be transparent.
"We call on all the participants in the process to be as open as possible, as individuals, their families, and loved ones are behind every detention," Späti has noted.
He has reminded that the International Discussions are comprised of two specialized groups—one on security issues and one on humanitarian issues—and that each participant has the right to raise any issues of concern.
In conclusion, the co-chair called on the parties to exercise restraint and contribute to maintaining a stable and predictable situation in the region.
