A preparatory meeting for the 63rd round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) was convened in Tbilisi, involving co-chairs from the European Union, the United Nations, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Lasha Darsalia, Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of Georgia’s delegation to the Geneva International Discussions, led the Georgian delegation.

The meeting primarily focused on the necessity of enhancing the effectiveness of the negotiation format. In this context, particular emphasis was placed on key agenda items for the Geneva International Discussions, notably the urgent need for progress regarding Russia’s adherence to its international obligations under the August 12, 2008, ceasefire agreement mediated by the European Union, as well as the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees.

The importance of unconditionally restoring the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Gali and regularly holding this mechanism in Gali and Ergneti following its founding principles was also highlighted.

During the meeting, the Georgian side highlighted concerns regarding the security, humanitarian, and human rights situation in the occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali and along the occupation line. They addressed actions that represent a blatant violation of fundamental principles of international law, aimed at the illegal annexation of these occupied territories. In this context, particular attention was drawn to the unlawful activation of the airport in occupied Abkhazia.

Additionally, the Georgian delegation emphasized the illegitimacy of the planned so-called presidential elections in the Abkhazia region, which constitute yet another gross violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The 63rd round of the Geneva International Discussions is scheduled to take place on March 4-5, 2025.