Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that Moscow is making a decisive contribution to maintaining peace and stability in the South Caucasus and considers the conclusion of a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force “between Georgia, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia” to be its “key task” within the framework of the Geneva Discussions.
The Russian diplomat explained that relative stability is facilitated by “the international discussions themselves, mechanisms for incident prevention and response, hotlines between border services, as well as contacts between the parties.”
“The very existence of these mechanisms and dialogue, both at the delegation level during official rounds and on the ground, helps ensure relative stability and calm in the border areas,” Galuzin said.
He noted that most incidents near the occupation line are related to the illegal crossing of the so-called “border” by citizens of Georgia, but “in the vast majority of cases, the authorities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia limit themselves to a brief inquiry” and return the so-called “violators” to the rest of Georgia’s territory without criminal prosecution.
Speaking about the conclusion of an agreement between Tbilisi, Tskhinvali, and Sukhumi, Galuzin stated that it is precisely such an agreement that should become “the most effective tool for ensuring lasting security in the region.”
The representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out that at this stage, a key role in ensuring regional security is played by “Russia’s relations of partnership, alliance, and equality with Abkhazia and South Ossetia.”