Geneva will host the first round of talks on stability and security in the Caucasus in 2011 on March 4, RIA Novosti reports.
Participants and observers of the meeting do not expect a breakthrough. Tbilisi refuses to sign a cease-fire agreement with Tskhinvali and Sukhumi, calling it a Georgian-Russian conflict. Moscow insists on Georgia’s legal obligations to never attack South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Georgia will not take such step, as it will mean recognition of their independence.
The main topic of discussions is the non-use of force. Delegations from Georgia, Russia, USA, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, EU, UN and the OSCE are taking part. The talks have been held since October 2008, based on the agreements between Georgia and Russia in August 2008.
Russia will stress on non-use of force in the Caucasus region. The recently expressed desire of Mikheil Saakashvili to “celebrate New Year in Sukhumi” caused concern in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Georgian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergi Kapanadze said that Georgia will talk on the non-use of force by Russia at the discussions. Another issue is the international security mechanism in the two breakaway republics. Kapanadze proposed arrival of peacemakers and international police forces. The third topic is the return of refugees.
