Georgian PM Calls for Upgrading Geneva Int’l Talks
By Tea Mariamidze
Monday, May 21
The Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili believes that Geneva International Discussions, the only format of international dialogue between Georgia and Russia, needs to be upgraded.
The PM made the statement in response to a question regarding a possible meeting between the presidents of Russia and Georgia. The issue was raised several days ago by the President Giorgi Margvelashvili, who stated he would like to have a rational dialogue with the Russian leader based on the interests of people and not those of country leaders.
Kvirikashvili says the Geneva Talks format has to be fully used and new participants need to be involved.
“It is possible to achieve serious results about many issues through the engagement of our partners, if the Geneva format is enhanced. I believe in this. I see resource for this" said the PM.
Kvirikashvili made a similar comment in mid-March, saying he is ready to participate in Geneva Talks in order to make the format more constructive.
“We have stated before, and we reiterate our interest in reaching tangible progress in the Geneva International Discussions, and I have reaffirmed my commitment to personal involvement to this end,” his open letter reads.
Kvirikashvili voiced the same proposal last year too but it was not followed by any reactions from the Russian side.
The Geneva International Discussions is chaired by the OSCE, the EU and the UN. Representatives from Tbilisi, breakaway Tskhinvali and Sukhumi, as well as Moscow and Washington participate in the discussions.
