Archive - 2016

22-23 March 2016 in Geneva took placethe 35th round of international discussions on security in Transcaucasia, attended by the delegations of the Republic of South Ossetia, the Republic of Abkhazia, Georgia, the Russian Federation, the United States, as well as the EU, UN and OSCE representatives. South Ossetian delegation was headed by Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy for post-conflict settlement Murat Dzhioev.

The discussions were held in two working groups: on security and humanitarian issues.

The representatives of the South Ossetian delegation in the introductory statements have noted the fact of the tripartite release of prisoners on March 10, 2016, carried out by the authorities of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Georgia, and expressed gratitude to all those involved in this process, including in the framework of the Geneva process. The parties have stressed that the release of prisoners is the result of interaction between participants of the Geneva discussions.

During the discussion, the South Ossetian side again raised the question of the fate of the missing citizens of the Republic of South Ossetia. International mediators have assured that the work on the investigation of cases of the missing citizens of South Ossetia will be continued by a specially invited independent international expert.

The discussion of the first working group was focused on the non-use of force by Georgia against South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as well as to ensure security and stability in the region. It was continued the experts work to elaborate the statement on the non-use of force. Since the full statement was not agreed again, the South Ossetian delegation proposed to take a brief statement on the commitment to a peaceful settlement, the text of which would consist of provisions that would not cause controversy. The proposal was supported by the majority of participants; however, representatives of Georgia once again declined to discuss the project. The work on it will be continued at the next round.

South Ossetian participants rejected the attempts of the Georgian delegation to link the discussion of security issues in the region with bilateral South Ossetian-Russian relations, stressing that the South Ossetian-Russian relations are based and developed solely on the basis of international law and fully comply with the interests of peace and security in the region.

Discussing the issues of stability and security in the areas of the South Ossetian-Georgian border, the participants noted the lack of recent serious incidents. At the same time it was considered provocative activity of the Georgian side in the border areas, the fact of deliberate violations of the state border. South Ossetian participants once again reminded the Georgian side about the proposal of the authorities of the Republic of South Ossetia to begin a bilateral joint work on delimitation and demarcation of the state border between the Republic of South Ossetia and Georgia.

The panelists noted the effectiveness of the Mechanism for preventing and responding to incidents (IPRM) in the area of the ​​South Ossetian-Georgian border functioning within the framework of the Geneva discussions, as an important factor of stability and security in the area of ​​the Georgian-South Ossetian border, as well as the IPRM "hot line" South Ossetian participants drew attention of the Georgian participants and the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia to the inadmissibility of violation of the state border in connection with the upcoming season to collect wild plants.

The representatives of South Ossetia and Abkhazia expressed serious concern regarding security and stability in connection with the ongoing threat to the region by Georgia's rapprochement with NATOand the creation of the NATO infrastructure in the territory of Georgia on the background of the continuing aggressive rhetoric against South Ossetia and Abkhazia by the Georgian authorities. It was also noted that in Georgia, particularly in the Pankisi Gorge is functioning the training base of the terrorist organization DAESH.

Participants of the meeting characterized the propagandistic steps of the Georgian authorities, aimed at obtruding their vision upon international structures through the reporting of the alleged "human rights violations" in South Ossetia and Abkhazia and preventing arrival of international representatives in South Ossetia,.

They have also discussed humanitarian issues. The participants agreed at the meeting in Geneva to proceed with the approval of the draft document, reflecting the general principles of approach to the problem of missing persons. Discussing the issues of cultural heritage, the South Ossetian participants again raised the question of the return of the unique icon-triptych, stolen from the Museum of South Ossetia and now being in Georgia. Once again they have focused on the problem of threat to the preservation of the Ossetian historical and cultural monuments in the Eastern Ossetia which is under the control of Georgia, where is not allowed the expelled Ossetian population. Ossetian representatives reiterated their call to allow the experts to survey and assess the monuments of the Ossetian historical and architectural heritage in Tyrsygom Valley.

In the course of the meeting there was not any discussion of the problem of refugees. It is expected that the resumption of the issue of refugees will be possible after cessation of Georgia's attempts of artificial politicization of the problem.

The next round of discussions is scheduled for June 2016.

Geneva, 24 March 2016

The delegation of the Republic of Abkhazia, led by the Vice-President Vitaly Gabniya and State Secretary of the Russian Olympic Committee Andrei Konokotin arrived today in South Ossetia. The guests were accompanied by the head coach of the Russian national team in freestyle wrestling Dzambolat Tedeev. The delegation has also included the Chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Abkhazia on Physical Culture and Sport Bagrat Khutaba.

Near the Russian-South Ossetian border the delegations were met by representatives of the South Ossetian leadership and representatives of the Fund to Support the wounded disabled during the fighting on the territory of South Ossetia in 1989-2008. The guests were welcomed by the President of the organization of war invalids Madina Plieva, Deputy Head of the Presidential Executive Office of South Ossetia Konstantin Pukhaev, Advisor to the President of the RSO on Social Affairs Radion Siukaev, Ambassador of Abkhazia to South Ossetia Alan Elbakiev.

The guests were welcomed by Ossetian tradition with three pies and a cup of a ritual drink. The choir of the state song and dance ensemble "Simd" performed Ossetian and Abkhazian songs.

Vice-President of Abkhazia Vitaly Gabniya expressed gratitude for the warm welcome.

He has noted that the fraternal relations between the two republics each year are strengthened, and wished the residents of South Ossetia peace and prosperity.

"You won in a hard struggle for your independence. The courageous and heroic people of Ossetia are very close to us in spirit and the friendship between us over the years will become stronger ", - he said.

Andrei Konokotin visited South Ossetia for the first time and thanked everyone for the warm welcome.

He called Ossetia a forge of champions and wished Ossetian athletes further achievements.

"Ossetia is worldwide renowned for its sporting achievements. Dzambolat Tedeev is the pride of all Russian sports, "- he said and expressed hope for the development of sports cooperation between Russia and South Ossetia.

Dzambolat Tedeev welcomed the guests on the fertile Ossetian land and thanked them for the visit.

The Russian and Abkhazian delegations have also met today with the President of South Ossetia Leonid Tibilov. The guests also honored the memory of the fallen defenders of South Ossetia and laid flowers and wreaths at the memorial monument.

In Moscow took place a meeting of the Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy of South Ossetia for post-conflict settlement Murat Dzhioev and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Vyacheslav Chirikba with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov.

In the course of the meeting were discussed issues of security in the Transcaucasian region, in particular in the areas of the state border of South Ossetia and Abkhazia with Georgia, humanitarian issues, as well as the prospects of the Geneva process.

On the same day the delegation of South Ossetia at the Geneva discussions led by the Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy of the RSO for post-conflict settlement Murat Dzhioev held bilateral consultations with the Russian delegation headed by the State Secretary, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Gregory Karasin. They have discussed issues of preparation for the upcoming round of discussions, which will take place on 22-23 March in Geneva.

March 11, the released citizens of the Republic, convicted on trumped-up charges in Georgia arrived in South Ossetia. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia Kazbulat Tskhovrebov told the news agency "Res" about the work on their release for 11 years.

- Four citizens of South Ossetia, after 11 years of imprisonment in Georgia have returned home. What kind of work was carried out during these years, what measures taken to release them?

- Indeed, our citizens had to spend difficult 11 years in Georgian prisons. All these years South Ossetia declared the illegality of their detention and imprisonment and demanded their release. South Ossetian representatives constantly raised this issue in the format of the Joint Control Commission, as well as at other platforms. However, due to the unconstructive position of the Georgian side and apparent unwillingness to take responsibility for the decision, even not political, but purely humanitarian questions, there was not any serious progress to resolve the issue. In this regard, I want to recall with gratitude the efforts of representatives of the civil society of South Ossetia, first of all, Lyra Kozaeva, who also addressed this issue, and largely achieved better results than the official structures of the Republic. In particular, they assisted in organization of meetings with relatives and officials, in transferring of requests to the Georgian state authorities.

- On the international platforms - the Geneva discussions on security and stability in Transcaucasia and meetings in the format of mechanisms to prevent and respond to incidents, attended by representatives of South Ossetia, it was repeatedly raised the question of the illegally condemned South Ossetian citizens, serving sentences in Georgian prisons. How this work influenced on the course of events?

- The South Ossetian delegation at the Geneva discussions regularly raised the issue of prisoners. It is important to raise such questions at such international platforms; it stresses the importance and urgency of their solution for the Republic of South Ossetia. It was in Geneva in backroom talks, when for the first time we saw the prospect of solving this issue, and then practically implemented. In this regard, I would also like to thank all colleagues in the Geneva discussions and appreciation for the work the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Ossetia to the Republic of Abkhazia Oleg Botsiev.

- You yourself took part directly in the process of exchange of South Ossetian citizens in Abkhazia that was a truly historic event. What were your feelings at that moment?

- It is an unforgettable experience. When I opened the door of the minibus with our guys from Georgia, saying that they are free, they did not say a word and did not move because they did not believe in what was happening. I had to once again repeat it, but my heart at that moment was bleeding. And it is an indescribable state, when you are in the mother's arms, thanking "for the salvation of her son." These feelings will be with me forever.

- Most of the work to release the illegally convicted citizens of South Ossetia in Georgia has been done - our citizens have returned home. What support will be provided for rehabilitation of these citizens?

- From the Fund of the President South Ossetia and the Fund of the Government of South Ossetia are allocated funds for the initial needs of the liberated citizens. The guys are with their relatives. I think that in the native environment rehabilitation will take place as quickly as possible. If they need support or participation of the President or the Government in solving specific problems, I'm sure they can count on it.

- How many prisoners - citizens of South Ossetia are in Georgian prisons?

- At the time of the exchange we did not have any information about the other citizens of the Republic of South Ossetia imprisoned in Georgia. But now we have the information that may be the list is incomplete. This information should be checked. To date we have not received any information both from the relatives or the official authorities of Georgia. Several our citizens are listed as missing, but it is another area of work.

At the state border between South Ossetia and Georgia, near the village of Ergneti was held the 64th meeting in the format of Mechanisms to Prevent and Respond to Incidents (IPRM).

As reported after the meeting by the head of the South Ossetian delegation, the State Adviser to the President of South Ossetia David Sanakoev, in the course of the meeting were discussed the issues, related to the situation in the areas adjacent to the state border between South Ossetia and Georgia.

"Since the previous meeting were recorded 5 cases of violation of the state border by the citizens of Georgia, as well as the provocative actions in different sections of the state border- plowing on the territory of the Republic of South Ossetia, the actions of the citizens of Georgia, who crossed into the territory of our Republic. We have expressed concern about the situation, expressing the hope that such incidents will not happen in the future. "

According to Sanakoev, the South Ossetian delegation expressed gratitude to the participants in the IPRM, who participated in the mutual exchange of prisoners.

"For many years we discussed this issue, conducting negotiations and finally the decision has been reached", - concluded Sanakoev.

The icon of Okonsky Triptych is of great artistic value. This is a rare work of early Byzantine school of icon painting, made by ivory carving, decorated with pearls, gold and silver, told the news agency "Res" director of the National Museum of South Ossetia Merab Zaseev, commenting on the issue of returning to South Ossetia from Georgia the Okonsky triptych, stolen in 1991 from the Local History museum of the Republic.

"The fact that there is grandeur in this icon says about its value and importance in the Christian world, - said Zaseev. - It is surprising that the fragments of the similar icons are at the Royal British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of New York, and we had it fully. "

Zaseev has noted that according to the available information the Okonsky Triptych in value is in the same list with the icon of Our Lady of Blachernae.

"These icons are masterpieces of early Byzantine school of icon painting, - said Zaseev. - In our museum the Okonsk Triptych was since 1925 according to the decision of the Central Executive Committee. By the decision of the CEC the icon was removed from the Okonsky church in Znaur district of South Ossetia and handed over to the museum - Zaseev said. According to certain information, this icon was presented to the Alan prince by the Byzantine emperor. "

Zaseev has noted that the icon is the exhibit of paramount importance for the museum.

"Each icon, especially in the Middle Ages, when in the Caucasus was spread Christianity, was handed over with a prayer, and every icon belonged to a certain community, - added Zasseev.- And, of course, it was of great spiritual importance for them."

The director has noted that it is difficult to estimate the importance of the Okonsky Triptych.

"The icon was venerated by all Orthodox Christians – he said. - But, unfortunately, during the Georgian aggression, the icon was lost, and, according to the available information, is now in Georgia. Furthermore, attempts were made to its sale; it was estimated at 2.5 million euro."

Zaseev has expressed the hope that during the negotiation process the parties will approach with great care to the issue of returning the Okonsky triptych to South Ossetian authorities.

"If we could only talk about an objective assessment of the situation by the International community and those involved in the consequences of the Georgian aggression against South Ossetia, such values are usually returned to the original owners after any war, - said Zasseev.- And we honestly cherish hope that this issue will be considered objectively, with due attention and the process will lead to good results. "

The day before, at a meeting with the President of South Ossetia Leonid Tibilov, Presidential Envoy for post-conflict settlement Murat Dzhioev has noted that in Geneva South Ossetian representatives intend to raise issues of preserving the Ossetian artifacts being now in Georgia.

"Once again, we will raise the issue of cultural heritage, the return of the Okonsky Triptych to South Ossetia, stolen in 1991 from our Local History Museum and being now on the territory of Georgia", - stressed the envoy.

South Ossetian President Leonid Tibilov has met with the South Ossetian citizens, who for many years were serving sentence in prisons of Georgia on trumped-up charges. The relatives of the released citizens of South Ossetia have expressed their gratitude to the President, because thanks to the efforts of Leonid Tibilov today the guys have returned home. This fact was emphasized by the relatives and the released guys at a meeting with the President.

The mother of one of the released guys who has returned home after 11 years imprisonment, Lyudmila Usovich has noted that due to the efforts applied by Leonid Tibilov today her son George Zaseev and the other guys have returned home. According to her, she remembers, as the President gave her and other families promise, he was in a permanent solution to this problem since the early days of his presidency.

"I want to express my admiration for your courage, - said Lyudmila Usovich. - You gave us a promise that our sons would be released, and you have kept it. During your presidency, we were feeling your constant support. This is a great gift for all of us. You have given us new life. This would not have been without your efforts. I will remember it all my life. "

The released guys have also thanked the President.

"It`s too hard for us today to believe in this miracle. All these years we have been with our people. Thanks to you, Mr. President, we can now confidently start living " - expressed their gratitude to the President the released citizens.

The parents also addressed the words of gratitude to the President of Abkhazia Raul Khajimba.

Tibilov congratulated the citizens released from Georgian prisons to return to their native land.

"Since then, as you were captured by our southern neighbors, the aggressors, we together with your loved ones were doing everything to meet you as soon as possible, - the president said. -

You spent so many years in prisons of Georgia, serving a sentence on trumped-up charges. And, finally, you have returned to your native land, you love so much. I want to express my gratitude to all those who contributed to your release, especially your loved ones, who not for a minute forgot about you all these years. "

According to the President, the question to release the South Ossetian citizens from Georgian prisons have repeatedly been raised at the Geneva discussions.

"Several times I myself have met with co-chairs of the Geneva discussions to ensure that the question of releasing our citizens convicted on trumped-up charges, to be raised in the framework of the existing international format, - the president said. - Special thanks I want to express to the President of Abkhazia - Raul Khajimba. In September 2015, when he was in South Ossetia on the occasion of celebration the 25th anniversary of the Republic, I discussed with him the issues relating to our citizens in Georgian prisons. "

Leonid Tibilov has also noted that for the needs of the released South Ossetian citizens from the presidential fund will be allocated funds in the amount of 200 thousand rubles.

The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister of South Ossetia Domenty Kulumbegov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic Kazbulat Tskhovrebov, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy of the Republic for the post-conflict settlement Murat Dzhioev, South Ossetian Presidential Adviser David Sanakoev, Presidential Commissioner for Human Rights Inal Tasoev.

Georgy Zasseev, Joseph Kochiev, Georgy Valiev and Boris Turashvili were sentenced to life imprisonment in Georgia on trumped-up charges.

March 11, they were met by hundreds of residents of Tskhinval.

Today in the framework of mutual release and exchange of prisoners, on the Abkhaz-Georgian border, citizens of the Republic of South Ossetia Georgi Zaseev, Joseph Kochiev, Georgy Valiev and Boris Turashvili were handed over to representatives of the South Ossetian authorities.

The procedure was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Ossetia Kazbulat Tskhovrebov, RSO Ambassador to Armenia Oleg Botsiev, official representatives of the Republic of Abkhazia.

In response, several Georgian citizens, imprisoned in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, have also been released.

Georgi Zaseev, Joseph Kochiev, Georgy Valiev were sentenced to life imprisonment in Georgia in 2005 on trumped-up charges of committing a terrorist act in the Georgian town of Gori on 1 February 2005. Boris Turashvili was sentenced to a long term of imprisonment, also on false charge of kidnapping the Georgian MP.

The release of the citizens of South Ossetia was held in cooperation with the Abkhaz side and in accordance with the agreements reached in the format of the Geneva discussions, as well as between the President of the Republic of South Ossetia Leonid Tibilov and President of Abkhazia Raul Khajimba.

President Leonid Tibilov, respecting the requests of parents of the unlawfully convicted in Georgia citizens of the Republic of South Ossetia and feeling compassion for their fate, was giving moral and material support to the families of the convicted. In December 2014 he pardoned a citizen of Georgia Dzherapov, convicted in South Ossetia, in anticipation of a retaliatory move by the Georgian authorities.

The President also sent a letter to the co-chairs of the Geneva discussions with the appeal as mediators to assist in the mutual release of prisoners.

The arrival of the released citizens in Tskhinval is expected on Friday, March 11th..

The report of the independent expert Dusan Ignyatovich on the South Ossetian citizens to be listed missing since 2008 will be handed over to their relatives, - told reporters at a briefing in Tskhinval the OSCE co-chairman Gunter Behler, commenting on the results of the meeting of the Geneva discussions co-chairs with members of the South Ossetian delegation.

"We talked a lot about the work done by the independent expert Dusan Ignyatovich - Behler said. - We have submitted to the South Ossetian side the report on the work he has done. This report will also be given to the relatives of the missing persons. We are ready to meet their requirements. "

The OON Co-Chair Antti Turunen has noted the progress in the work of experts on the draft document on the non-use of force between Georgia and South Ossetia, Georgia and Abkhazia.

"There is some progress in the work of experts on this document - said Turunen. – We have reached common understanding on some items, and there is a good basis to continue this work. We hope that soon we will announce the results of our work. "

The EU officer Björn Kühne has added that at the last meeting were also discussed humanitarian issues.

"I would like to thank the South Ossetian colleagues for a good discussion - Kuehne said. - On this basis, we hope, will be held good discussions in Geneva. Today we have discussed issues of water supply, irrigation systems, issues of the missing persons, as well as issues of cultural heritage.

We hope to find a humanitarian approach to address these issues to improve the situation. "

According to the South Ossetian Presidential Envoy for post-conflict settlement, the head of the delegation in the format of the Geneva discussions Murat Dzhioev, during the meeting were discussed in detail the issues that will be raised at the forthcoming round of the Geneva discussions.

"All participants of today's discussion understand the need to move in the matter concerning the document on the non-use of force - said Dzhioev. In this direction, there are certain impulses, and we hope that at the forthcoming round we will make a small, but still a step towards the promotion of a comprehensive document on the non-use of force between Georgia and South Ossetia, Georgia and Abkhazia. "

Dzhioev has also noted that during the meeting has been noted the positive role of the format of Mechanisms to prevent and respond to incidents (IPRM).

"We have noted the positive work of the Mechanisms to prevent and respond to incidents, thanks to their work there is quite a stable situation along the border between South Ossetia and Georgia", - concluded Dzhioev.

The delegation of the co-chairs of the Geneva discussions on security in Transcaucasia has included the OSCE co-chair Gunter Buhler, the UN Co-Chair Antti Turunen, the UN co-chair Frank Remus and Irina Egorova, the EU co-chairs Björn Kühne, Torsten Ahren, Emmanuel Anquetil, as well as the OSCE representatives Armin Rieser and James O'Shea.

The Delegation of the EU, UN and OSCE Co-Chairs of the Geneva international discussions on security and stability in Transcaucasia have met in Tskhinval with the delegation of South Ossetia, which represents the Republic at the Geneva discussions.

The meeting was organized to discuss preparations for the 35 round of the Geneva talks to be held in Geneva on March 22-23.

At the beginning of the meeting members of the delegation were welcomed by Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy of South Ossetia for post-conflict settlement Murat Dzhioev

According to him, the challenges facing the Geneva discussions are very important and relevant.

"Despite the fact that the discussions are held for eighth year, the main task is to prepare a legally binding document on the non-use of force between Georgia and South Ossetia, Georgia and Abkhazia."

Dzhioev has expressed confidence that today's meeting will be productive.

"I'm sure we'll work today fruitfully, -we will go over the agenda of the forthcoming round, noting the main goals, and making a breakthrough in resolving the main issue of the discussions "- Dzhioev said.

The Envoy has reminded about the results of the previous round of the Geneva discussions.

"We were working on a joint statement of all participants in the Geneva discussions on the commitment to the principle of non-use of force - said Dzhioev. - Then our delegation noted that the co-chairs could prepare the draft resolution which would be acceptable to all participants in the discussions, that all the delegations at the Geneva talks were authorized and directed to work on a document on the non-use of force. "

The OON Co-Chair Antti Turunen has noted that the co-chairs are interested in stabilizing the Geneva talk’s process.

"We have discussed the main issues and the comments made in the course of preparation for the next round - Turunen said. - The Co-Chairs also want to make progress, stabilizing the process of the Geneva discussions. We have also conducted internal discussions that the next round to be productive, noting that the situation in the region is stable that should also contribute to the progress in the Geneva talks. "

Then the meeting continued behind closed doors.