At Geneva debates, Georgia condemns Russia's military exercises in Abkhazia

In the course of the 32nd round of Geneva debates, delegates of Georgia and Russia have discussed the issues of security and the right to get education in one's mother tongue. The Georgian party has criticized Russia for its military exercises in Abkhazia and the violation of airspace.

The Geneva debates are being held after the warfare in South Ossetia in August 2008, on the basis of agreements reached with the mediation of the EU, UN and OSCE. The above regular round was held on July 1 by two working groups.

The first group addressed the issues of security and stability in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed by an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Georgia. In particular, the Georgian party has noted that "the installation of barbed wire and other artificial barriers violates the fundamental right of the local population to free travel" and jeopardizes the stability and security along the border.

The Georgian party also raised the issue of Russian military exercises in the territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and stated facts of violation of the Georgian airspace by Russia.

The second group discussed the problems of safe return of refugees and forced migrants to their homes.

Let us remind you that the 31st round of Geneva debates in March this year ended without result – delegations of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Russia left the hall before the official closure of the event.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.