Consultations by OSCE Special Representative Angelo Gnaedinger in Tbilisi, Tskhinvali, Sukhumi and Moscow

VIENNA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2015 – In preparation of the next round of the Geneva International Discussions, the co-chairs visited Tbilisi, Tskhinvali, Sukhumi and Moscow between 7 and 15 September. Ambassador Angelo Gnaedinger, the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-office for the South Caucasus and his fellow co-chairs, EU Special Representative Herbert Salber and UN Representative Antti Turunen, discussed the upcoming round of 6-7 October with participants and used the opportunity to meet representatives of international organizations and local residents.   In Tbilisi the co-chairs were received by Georgia’s new Foreign Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. In Moscow their main interlocutor was Russia’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin. Referring to the June round which was held in a constructive atmosphere, Ambassador Gnaedinger encouraged participants to continue their dialogue in the same spirit and to focus on pragmatic solutions for specific problems.  Among the main subjects raised with participants were the non-use of force, security situation, cultural heritage, humanitarian and ecological questions as well as education.