The Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in Transcaucasia have proven their importance over the 16 years of their operation as a very useful mechanism not only in communication between the parties, but also as a mechanism for ensuring stability, ensuring the direct dialogue between Tskhinval and Tbilisi.
This was stated on Tuesday by the head of the South Ossetian delegation, State Advisor to President Konstantin Kochiev at the meeting with the co-chairs of the Geneva Discussions in Tskhinval.
"We confirm our assessments, which we have repeatedly given - this is a really useful working mechanism that makes a significant contribution to strengthening the provision of stability in our part of Transcaucasia," Kochiev said.
He has noted that active work is also underway in the format of Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms.
"This is a very necessary, very lively format," Kochiyev has emphasized. "I think that the colleagues directly participating in this format can confirm how successfully the work is going in our direction. We know that there are difficulties, but this is an active, useful and actively working format."
Kochiev noted the great importance of the IPRM work.
"I pay so much attention to the work of the IPRM because we all know very well how much work has to be done in this format, how often the situations arise that require a response in order to resolve the misunderstandings that arise," he has clarified.
Kochiev noted that "it would be right to pay special attention to the work of the IPRM in Geneva and emphasize the assessments of the South Ossetian party of this format."
"Despite all its importance, of course, the IPRM cannot replace the work in the plenary format of the Geneva discussions. Therefore, we draw attention to the importance of the work that is possible only in the format of plenary sessions, plenary meetings of the Geneva discussions, - he said. - Only in the Geneva format is it possible to continue the work on the most substantive, main points of our agenda, such as defining approaches and, finally, working on a document on the non-use of force, delimitation and demarcation of the border - this is the most important thing." According to Kochiev, if it is possible to achieve the start of full-fledged work on these documents, this will mean the complete success of the work of the Geneva discussion as a whole.
"We believe that there are no obstacles or difficulties for the upcoming round. And we expect that we will be able to use the upcoming meeting to continue the work on the most important areas of the Geneva discussions, on the two issues that have always been in the center of our attention, - Kochiev has noted.
The OSCE Co-Chair Viorel Mosanu has noted that he was last in Tskhinval three months ago and during the reporting period, in his opinion, the general situation remains stable.
"Of course, there are issues that concern us, and we will certainly discuss this during our meeting today," he said.
Viorel Mosanu reminded that the EU Co-Chair Toivo Klaar had moved to another position and that Magdalena Grono had been appointed in his place, and would take up her duties on November 1.
Earlier, Moscow stated that the discussions on Transcaucasia, which had so far been held in Geneva, should be moved from Switzerland to another country, since "the Geneva platform has ceased to be comfortable for Russia and its allies."
The Geneva Discussions on Transcaucasia are the international forum for ensuring security and stability in the region, as well as maintaining a direct, equal dialogue between Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Georgia.
The discussions are held since October 15, 2008, and are attended by representatives of Abkhazia, Georgia, South Ossetia, Russia, the United States, the EU, UN, and OSCE co-chairs .
