Statement by the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on Georgia and the Geneva process (17 and 18 December)
- On: 19.12.2008
International discussions in Geneva, provided for by the agreements of 12 August and 8 September and co-chaired by the European Union, United Nations and OSCE, resumed on 17 and 18 December. All the parties involved in the conflict took part.
The first working group focused on stability and security issues in the region. On the basis of proposals put forward by the co-chairs, a possible mechanism to prevent and resolve incidents was discussed. The parties reached no formal agreement. The issue will therefore be raised again at the next meeting.
The second working group discussed the status of displaced people and refugees. Talks centred on drawing up concrete measures aimed at improving the fate of these populations, notably by the resumption of economic rehabilitation programmes and unhindered access by experts and of humanitarian aid to the zones affected by the conflict. The participants also agreed on the need to re-establish the supply of gas, water and electricity to the affected populations.
It is positive that discussions are continuing and that they are helping to deepen dialogue on major issues, however stumbling blocks remain that require further talks.
The participants have agreed to meet again on 17 and 18 February 2009.
The Presidency hopes that all the parties will measure the full importance of these discussions and express their commitment in concrete terms so as to reach swift agreement on the co-chairs’ proposals.
It is in this spirit that the Presidency invites all the parties to refrain from any form of provocation on the ground and to avoid any action likely to heighten tensions.
- Updated: 20.12.2008
