Geneva International Discussions is the only international format where we talk to Russia in the presence of the international community about the non-fulfillment of its obligations, David Zalkaliani, the nominee Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, declared at the Parliament.

“In my speech, I spoke about Geneva as the main format based on three main foundations. These are the 2008 ceasefire agreement with a commitment of non-use of force, the establishment of international security mechanisms on the ground, and the return of internally displaced persons. Unfortunately, none of these three issues have real tangible results, but that does not mean that we should abandon the Geneva talks. Geneva is the only international format to talk to Russia about the non-fulfillment of its obligations in the presence of the international community ”, Zalkaliani said.

The nominated Minister presented what should be done to make the Geneva talks format more efficient.

“First of all, we cannot consider Geneva torn apart from the big geopolitical picture. The processes around us, in the region, in the United States, of course, influence this process. Of course, the Geneva International Discussions has its co-chairs, facilitators, but it is necessary to increase the political component, the political dimension. When Russia’s commitments remain unfulfilled, it needs a clear assessment, first of all, from the international community. When blackmail takes place, and one group works against the other, against the security of a humanitarian group, it requires an accurate assessment from the co-chairs.

If co-chairs refrain from making a clear assessment of Russia’s actions and do not call on the Russian Federation to fulfill its obligations if co-chairs do not point out to Russia that these obligations are between Russia and Georgia, and not between Abkhazians and Ossetians and Georgians, I think, we should work not only with the co-chairs but with their leadership in the EU, in the UN, in the OSCE”, David Zalkaliani said.

He also emphasized the importance of the EU Monitoring Mission.

“EUMM is the only international mission and the main restraining factor that gives an objective assessment of the situation and gives an instant response in Brussels. It is good that their mandate has been extended”, Zalkaliani added.