Ukraine co-chairs 23rd round of Geneva Discussions
GENEVA, 27 March 2013 - The OSCE Chairperson's Special Representative for conflicts, Ambassador Andrii Deshchytsia, emphasized Ukraine’s commitment as 2013 OSCE Chair to building confidence and addressing humanitarian needs on the ground at the 23rd meeting of the Geneva International Discussions today.
The Geneva International Discussions address the consequences of the 2008 conflict in Georgia, and are chaired by Ambassador Deshchytsia, EU Special Representative Philippe Lefort and UN Representative Antti Turunen (see link to joint statement by the Co-Chairs, right).
Reporting on the meetings of the Ergneti Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) established by the Geneva Discussions, Ambassador Deshchytsia welcomed the decrease in security-related incidents. Three meetings have been held since the start of the year.
The next meeting of the IPRM is scheduled for 16 April. In that context Ambassador Deshchytsia said he was looking forward to visiting villages on the administrative boundary line to discuss matters pertaining to freedom of movement.
He also welcomed the completion of a project to provide potable water to residents of Znauri village. The initiative is part of a package of water projects on both sides of the administrative boundary line which are being implemented by the OSCE and funded by the EU.
“People living in Znauri village now can rely on a stable supply of drinking water. It is a welcome sign of progress in our efforts to help the people affected by the conflict and make a difference for the better in their daily lives,” he said. “I am also pleased with the support we have received for our plans to repair the irrigation infrastructure in Tiriphoni.”
The participants agreed to hold the next round of the Geneva International Discussions on 25 and 26 June.