63rd Round of Geneva International Discussions Addresses Security and Humanitarian Issues
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, March 7, 2025
The 63rd round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) was held on March 4-5, 2025, focusing on the ongoing security and humanitarian consequences of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war. Co-chaired by the OSCE, EU, and UN, the talks bring together representatives from Georgia, Russia, the U.S., and both the exiled Georgian administrations of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia and their Russian-backed authorities.
Discussions centered on the full implementation of the 2008 ceasefire agreement, the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, and the humanitarian and security challenges resulting from Russia's occupation.
Georgian officials highlighted the need for Russia to uphold its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, emphasizing the return of IDPs and refugees to their homes. They also called for the restoration of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Gali and Ergneti without preconditions, stressing the importance of regular operations in both areas.
The Georgian delegation raised serious concerns over the worsening security and humanitarian situation in the occupied regions, condemning the construction of a Russian naval base in Ochamchire and the commissioning of Sukhumi airport. Additionally, they condemned the so-called presidential elections in Abkhazia and the meeting between Russian President Putin and the region's self-proclaimed leader, calling these actions steps toward annexation and violations of Georgia's territorial integrity.
The negotiations saw no progress on the critical issue of IDP and refugee returns, with Russia and the occupying authorities leaving the table on this key topic.
