Georgia urges Russia to honor 2008 ceasefire deal at 62nd round of Geneva Discussions

The 62nd round of the Geneva International Discussions on Georgia’s conflict issue, held on November 5-6, concluded with Georgian officials urging Russia to adhere to the 2008 ceasefire agreement and allow the safe return of displaced persons.

The talks, which convene regularly under the co-chairmanship of the European Union, United Nations, and OSCE, brought together representatives from Georgia, Russia, and the United States, alongside de facto officials from the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).

The Georgian delegation, led by First Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia, highlighted what it described as a worsening situation in the occupied territories, citing security, humanitarian, and human rights concerns.

Joining him were Levan Mgaloblishvili, Chair of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, and Tamaz Bestaev, Head of the Administration of Tskhinvali Region, who voiced concerns over the challenges faced by internally displaced Georgians.

The representatives of the Russian-backed authorities in Tskhinvali and Sokhumi left the discussions once the issue of IDPs returns was raised.

The Geneva International Discussions were established in response to the EU-mediated 2008 ceasefire, with a mandate to address the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the secure return of displaced people, and ongoing security and humanitarian issues related to the occupation.