In a recent meeting with Akhsar Jioev, the de facto Minister of Foreign Affairs of the self-proclaimed Georgia’s South Ossetia region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s “unwavering stance” on the region, emphasizing that “the decisions of 2008 are not subject to revision.”
Lavrov assured his support for Tskhinvali, stating, “We will continue to help our friends in ensuring security, developing the socio-economic sphere, and strengthening the state,” as outlined in existing “bilateral agreements”. His comments came as he reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to maintaining influence in the region following its recognition of South Ossetia’s “independence” after the August 2008 war with Georgia.
During the meeting, Jioev expressed gratitude for Russia’s “principled position” concerning the ongoing military operations in Ukraine, which he claimed were “necessary” to counter NATO’s perceived threats to Russian security and cultural identity in the region. “The Russian armed forces are carrying out a special military operation in response to NATO’s attempts,” he stressed.’
Lavrov also addressed the future of security discussions that have previously taken place in Geneva, hinting at potential relocation to another city. “We are working closely with our Abkhaz friends within the framework of consultations on Transcaucasia, which were held in Geneva until recently. Now we will see where it is more convenient to organize this type of meeting,” he noted.
This shift comes amid statements from Maria Zakharova, the official representative of Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicating that
discussions could be moved to a different venue.
Later today, Lavrov is set to hold talks with Sergey Shamba, the de facto Foreign Minister of the occupied Abkhazia region, followed by a tripartite meeting with de facto ministers from both regions of Georgia that remain under Russian control.
In Tbilisi, the Georgian government responded positively to Lavrov’s recent remarks regarding Russia’s “willingness” to facilitate discussions about closer ties between Georgia and its occupied regions. Kakha Kaladze, the General Secretary of the Georgian Dream party and Mayor of Tbilisi, last month expressed optimism, stating that “effective steps will be taken,” and emphasized the importance of developing a concrete action plan for de-occupation and troop withdrawal.
However, de facto leaders in Sokhumi and Tskhinvali quickly countered these sentiments, reiterating their demands for Georgia to “recognize the independence” of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali and to sign a “non-use of force” agreement.
