On 18 May, the fifth round of international discussions on security and stability in South Caucasus was expected to start in Geneva. In accordance with Medvedev-Sarkozy agreement of 12 August and 8 September, delegations of the Republic of South Ossetia, the Republic of Abkhazia, the Russian Federation, as well as representatives of the EU, UN, OSCE and the United States, participate in the Geneva discussions on an equal basis.
On 17 May evening, Ossetian-Abkhaz consultations were held. The South Ossetian Dekegation had also met with the Co-Chairpersons of the Geneva discussions. On 18 May morning, it became clear that the Abkhaz Delegation would not be able to participate in Geneva discussions due to the UN’s violation of the preliminary agreed preconditions. Having decided on the impossibility to hold the meeting in under these circumstances, the RSO Delegation made a corresponding statement to comment on the existing situation. The Russian representatives to the Geneva discussions expressed their support to the position of South Ossetia, and after that, the South Ossetian and Russian Delegations walked out until the problem is settled.
Statement by the Delegation of the Republic of South Ossetia to international discussions on security and stability in South Caucasus
Geneva, 18 May 2009
The South Ossetian Delegation arrived in Geneva to participate in the 5th round of international discussions on security and stability in South Caucasus in order to first of all discuss the alarming situation related to security and stability on the ground with a due account of threats created by Georgia’s restoration of military capacities and its leadership’s revanchist plans, moreover, so far no legally binding document guaranteeing non-use of force by Georgia against South Ossetia foreseen by the Medvedev-Sarkozy plan had been signed.
The Georgian side continues shooting at the borderline territory of our state, more new armed provocations are organized. New weapon emplacements are being equipped and the number of illegal check-point of the Georgian armed forces is increasing. Warlike rhetoric is again heard. With the funds obtained from the Western supporters, Georgia continues refilling its numerous supplies of modern offensive armament.
Full-scale exercise of Georgian armed forces jointly with the NATO forces is unfolding in Georgia. It is worth reminding that in August 2008, right after similar exercise, Georgia launched an armed aggression against South Ossetia.
Against this background, attempts are made to reconsider by fair means or by foul И вот на the existing state of affairs in South Caucasus in the wake of August 2008; to meet this end, new diplomatic tricks are used.
Under an invented pretext, the visit of the Geneva Co-Chairpersons to South Ossetia had been cancelled. The second meeting of the working groups within the frames of incident prevention proposals had been deranged.
The above-mentioned tricks result in the absence of the Abkhaz Delegation in this room and this is equal to absence of quorum. We have an impression that there are attempts to torpedo the works of Geneva discussion, which, after long efforts on establishing an acceptable format, started to bring first results.
Unfortunately, one should admit that the efforts and political will of the Russian and French leaders, the huge work done to follow the Medvedev-Sarkozy plan within the frames of the Geneva discussions, are under question for the sake of dangerous ventures undermining the post-conflict settlement and stability.
Taking into consideration the impossibility to take part in the discussion in the absence of one of the delegations within the established format, we reserve our right to return to talks once the situation is settled.
