Press Communiqué of the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions

GENEVA, Switzerland, 13 December 2018 - The 46th round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) took place yesterday in a business-like and respectful atmosphere.

In Working Group I, the Co-Chairs and the participants assessed the overall security situation on the ground as relatively calm and stable. All participants highlighted the importance of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRMs) over the past years in addressing security-related issues. In this context, the Co-Chairs urged participants to resume the regular meetings of IPRMs, in Ergneti and Gali, without delay. Threat perceptions were addressed in detail from different angles and increased transparency was encouraged by the Co-Chairs. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to the principle of non-use of force, agreed to continue discussions on this issue in a comprehensive manner and new proposals were welcomed in this regard.

In Working Group II, the participants reviewed the overall humanitarian situation on the ground. In this context, they discussed in particular issues relating to missing persons, freedom of movement, healthcare, documentation, education, livelihoods and environmental concerns. Unfortunately, some participants walked out before the issue of IDPs/refugees could be addressed. In this regard, the Co-Chairs renew their call for participants to engage constructively on all agenda items.

An information session on the topic of “Women, peace and security” took place on the eve of this round, which was welcomed by the participants.

The Co-Chairs reiterated their commitment to working with the participants to revitalise the GID process, to make it more effective and result-oriented.

The participants agreed to hold the next round on 2-3 April 2019.