Anatoly Bibilov asked the diplomats why in Europe they believe that Kosovo could have statehood and South Ossetia could not?
South Ossetia insists on removing the Georgian roadblock and is interested in de-escalating the situation on the border, said President of the Republic Anatoly Bibilov at the meeting with the co-chairs of the Geneva discussions.
"The Georgian side illegally put up a post on the territory of the Republic. And I would really like the Geneva discussions not to remain just the discussions, but make concrete decisions on specific problems that would enable us to talk about serious steps that we are taking to establish mutually beneficial relations, first of all, of course, political, "said the head of state addressing the co-chairs.
The President has expressed the wish that the steps that are being taken to de-escalate the current situation in connection with the current situation in the village of Tsnelis be brought to their logical conclusion and to do everything to prevent such situations in South Ossetia.
“And in this direction, we are ready to work together with you and enter into dialogue for the future of our peoples. We worry about the security of our territory and our citizens,” he stressed.
The head of the Republic called the actions of Georgia a provocation and a direct threat to the security of South Ossetia and its population.
“The post in Tsnelis is located in the territory of South Ossetia according to all the official documents that I know you have been provided. I consider the actions of the Georgian side unconstructive, and treating you with deep respect, I want to note that the situation with the tacit connivance of the OSCE and the EU is of course, worries us very much. I urge once again to strengthen joint actions to de-escalate the existing situation, "the President said.
According to the head of state, the South Ossetian people are clearly aware that they need to live in the neighborhood with the states, and, of course, like all the nations of the world they want to live in good neighborly relations with their neighbors.
“Unfortunately, we are observing completely opposite actions of the Georgian side directly in the Tsnelis area, they put up this post without informing anyone and practically in one night - from August 23 to 24. I can consider this as a disregard for the missions of the OSCE, UN and representatives who should help the parties not to take rash steps. This is an absolutely disregard for the stabilization processes that we had before August 23, 2019, "he said.
At the same time, Bibilov expressed his gratitude to the format of the Geneva discussions, which allows to negotiate, "since this is the only platform where we justify and express our position."
"Is it possible to speak of trust if Georgia does not sign a memorandum on the non-use of force?" - emphasized the president.
Anatoly Bibilov also asked the diplomats why in Europe they believe that Kosovo could have statehood and South Ossetia could not?
"Our society is not predisposed to any illegal actions, in fact there is no crime, culture, sports, education at a high level, we observe еру international law, value democratic norms and spread them in our Republic. We do not violate human rights It seems that there are no terrorist organizations in our country, the society is developing according to all the existing norms. What are we guilty of? ...... that they killed us, buried our people alive, shot refugees on the Zar road, and even earlier - in 1920 – they committed a genocide against us... What are my people guilty of.? "the head of state addressed the co-chairs with a question.
The EU co-chair Toivo Klaar has noted that they are aware of the current tension.
"We were in close contact with Murat Dzhioev, it is very important for us that we can possibly reduce the tension. And everyone understands the importance of dialogue and reducing tension through the dialogue," he said.
The UN co-chair Cihan Sultanoglu has noted that the dialogue and close ties have a big role in reducing tension.
"The Geneva venue is a unique platform, and we really appreciate the fact that Geneva is seen as a platform for making concrete decisions," he said.
The meeting was also attended by the OSCE co-chair Rudolf Mikhalka, UN employee Hailu Mamo and others.
The meeting continued without reporters. Following the meeting, a briefing will be held.
The co-chairs of the Geneva discussions arrived in Tskhinval on the eve of the next round of the Geneva discussions on security in the Transcaucasia.
The Geneva discussions on security and stability in the Transcaucasia are held since 2008 and remain the only platform for Georgia’s dialogue with South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Representatives of Russia, the USA, the UN, EU and OSCE co-chairs also take part in the negotiations. The main goal of the discussions is to reach an agreement on the non-use of force between Tskhinval and Tbilisi, Sukhum and Tbilisi.
