Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko met with the heads of the South Ossetian and Abkhaz delegations at the International Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in Transcaucasia - State Adviser to President of South Ossetia Konstantin Kochiev and Deputy Foreign Minister of Abkhazia Irakli Tuzhba.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, in preparation for the next round of the Geneva discussions, a substantive consideration of the main priority of this dialogue format - ensuring lasting security of Abkhazia and South Ossetia - took place. The general desire was stated to maximize the use of existing negotiation mechanisms for the purpose of depoliticized discussion of topical issues on the agenda.
"It was agreed to continue close interaction with the aim of effectively promoting common positions on the Geneva platform," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The next round of the Geneva Discussions is scheduled for December 7-8. One of the main issues is the signing of a document on the non-use of force. Moscow, Tskhinval and Sukhum urge Tbilisi to sign this agreement, but Georgia still refuses under various pretexts.
South Ossetia and Abkhazia believe that Georgia should conclude this agreement with the two republics, but not with the Russian Federation, which is not a party to the conflict.
The Geneva Discussions are held regularly since October 2008.
