For the first time, Abkhazia and South Ossetia are expected to participate in talks later today in Geneva on security in the Caucasus alongside Georgia and Russia.
The U.S., the United Nations, the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will also be involved. Informal discussions about what agenda the talks should follow were held on Tuesday behind closed doors. The first round of discussions collapsed last month when Georgia walked out over the presence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, refusing to recognise their independence. The talks aim at providing security and stability for the region, including finding ways of allowing refugees displaced from the war to return home. Russia recognised the sovereignty of Abkhazia and South Ossetia soon after the declaration of independence. Russian leaders say it was the only way to guarantee the two republics’ safety. Related link: Georgian ‘saboteur’ killed in Abkhazia Hand of friendship reaches Abkhazia and S.Ossetia Abkhazia wants equal status at Geneva security talks Don’t help Georgia rearm – Lavrov Wave of terror looming over the Caucasus?