Abkhazian experts feel disappointed about Geneva Discussions

On March 28, participants of the 43rd round of the Geneva Discussions failed to approve the declaration on the non-use of force in Transcaucasia. The format of the Geneva Discussions was initially unsuitable for concluding an agreement on the non-use of force. This opinion was expressed by experts interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot".

"The Georgian side believes that Abkhazia is occupied by the Russian troops and it is not a subject. So, Georgia does not intend to sign anything with us," said Vyacheslav Chirikba, Chairman of the "Akhipshymra" Expert Foundation and former Foreign Minister of Abkhazia.

He admits that those "talks inspired little hope" for the appearance of "at least some joint statement on the non-use of force from the Georgian side." However, Georgia does not want to make the slightest step to solve the problem, Vyacheslav Chirikba believes.

Irina Agrba, a historian and chair of the NGO "Women in Politics", believes the negotiations held were not the most favourable "moment" for the Geneva Discussions on security and stability in Southern Caucasus.

"The Georgia's consent to the non-use of force is fundamentally important and key factor. However, Georgia adheres to the Western policy and does not act independently. Today, the Georgian side is not ready for such an important and positive step," Irina Agrba told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"If the prospect of signing a document on the non-use of force is completely ignored, then it seems to me that the Geneva platform will lose its meaning," Irina Agrba believes.

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