Statement by the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions

ASTANA, BRUSSELS, GENEVA, 25 June 2010 - The Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions issued the following statement:

The Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions have noted with deep concern a communication from Sukhumi indicating the intention of the Abkhaz participants to suspend participation at the 12th round of Geneva Discussions, scheduled for 27 July.

The Co-Chairs reiterate their readiness to continue their efforts, including on the subjects of non-use of force and international security arrangements, as well as on humanitarian issues, which are on the agenda of the Geneva International Discussions and which the Co-Chairs have constructively addressed by drafting relevant documents, based on the contributions of all participants. Despite several substantial discussion rounds and numerous contributions to this effect, quite large divergences of views remain, which has not allowed, up to now, to find a common ground. In that respect, an ongoing exchange on substantive matters was underway with Abkhaz as well as with all other participants. The Co-Chairs underline, once again, that they are fully committed to their mandated role to act as facilitators in consensus building in all areas discussed in Geneva.

The Co-Chairs regret the attitude of the Abkhaz participants and call upon them to reconsider their position and continue dialogue in search for ways and means to address and resolve issues of concern of all participants to the Geneva Discussions.

The Co-Chairs will pursue the mission they have received respectively from the UN, the OSCE and the EU.