The Geneva International Discussions on Security and Stability in Transcaucasia remain an important tool for preventing conflicts, maintaining predictability, and advancing the interests of South Ossetia.
This was stated by Konstantin Kochiev, State Advisor to President, during a roundtable discussion on "National Security and Public Diplomacy," held as part of the public support campaign for presidential candidate Marat Kambolov.
Kochiev has noted that the international discussions began on October 15, 2008, and initially envisaged to work in two main areas: security issues and the humanitarian dimension, including the refugee problem and other issues deemed important by the parties.
According to him, over nearly 18 years, 67 rounds of negotiations have been held, during which agreements have been reached on a number of issues.
One of the results was the creation of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), which is in operation for approximately 16 years.
"The mechanism has proven highly effective; it is essentially operational on a continuous basis." A hotline between the parties is linked to this, allowing for the resolution of practically everyday problems at the most basic level. Even if there are any misunderstandings at the border, this allows for their prompt, very rapid resolution," Kochiev said.
At the same time, he noted, one of the key issues for South Ossetia in the Geneva format remains the achievement of a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force.
Kochiev noted that such a document would ultimately ensure predictability and security in the region.
"Unfortunately, the Georgian party continues to persist in its reluctance to sign such an agreement. Even a joint statement—that is, a political document, not a legal one—is met with resistance from the Georgian participants. Nevertheless, we continue to work," the State Adviser has noted.
He named the delimitation and demarcation of the border between South Ossetia and Georgia as another important area.
Kochiev has emphasized that the ambiguity of the border creates opportunities for violations, misunderstandings, and incidents, which could be extremely dangerous. According to him, South Ossetia, together with Abkhazia and the Russian Federation, continues to seek the relevant agreement.
Kochiev has focused the refugee issue, which was initially included on the agenda of the Geneva process. He has noted that this issue was particularly actively discussed in the first years, and South Ossetia opened the way for the return of the Georgian refugees to the Republic's districts, which benefited several thousand people.
According to Kochiev, Georgia subsequently began raising the refugee issue at other international forums, including the UN General Assembly, which, in his opinion, led to the politicization of the issue.
"In fact, Georgia is attempting to politicize this issue at all forums, asserting its claims to South Ossetia and Abkhazia. This is the main component of its work on the refugee issue. It goes without saying that under these circumstances, our delegations see no opportunity to continue effective discussions on refugees within the Geneva discussions." "South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and Russia believe it possible to resume discussions on this issue after our delegation is admitted to the UN General Assembly in New York, where we will be able to present our position on refugees," the Adviser said.
Among other issues on the agenda, Kochiev mentioned the situation in Tyrsygom, emphasizing the need to ensure the return of Ossetians living there.
"The Tyrsygom issue is very important. This is land that has always been Ossetian, and people who were forced to leave this territory must be able to return. These are not refugees; these are people who were forced out by the Georgians and are not being allowed to return," he said.
The State Adviser has also emphasized that for South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and Russia, the most important goal remains ensuring security and preventing Transcaucasia from descending into chaos and turning the region into the arena of geopolitical confrontation.
At the same time, the Geneva format gives South Ossetia the opportunity to advance its interests on the international stage and maintain contacts with both key global players and its Georgian neighbors.
"This is the opportunity to contact key players on the global stage, major powers. It is the opportunity to maintain a channel of communication with our Georgian neighbors. We live next door to each other, and without such a channel of communication, the risks would increase significantly," Kochiev has noted.
He has added that the Geneva meetings allow for timely discussion of emerging issues and the addressing of risks and threats that could impact stability in Transcaucasia.
According to the Advisor, the Russian and Abkhaz parties support South Ossetia's position on all key issues on the agenda.
Kochev believes it is necessary to continue working in the Geneva format as a tool for conflict prevention, maintaining predictability, and protecting the legitimate interests of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
