Statement by the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions

VIENNA, BRUSSELS, GENEVA, 26 February 2018 -  The Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions have taken note with strong concern of reports of the death in custody in Tskhinvali on 22 February of Mr Archil Tatunashvili, and express their condolences to the family of the deceased. They also note that, according to reports, a post-mortem examination has already taken place, and therefore call on the authorities in control in Tskhinvali to hand over the body of Mr Tatunashvili to his family without delay.

The Co-Chairs also appeal that Mr Levan Kutashvili and Mr Ioseb Pavliashvili, who were apprehended by at the same time as Mr Tatunashvili, be permitted to cross to Tbilisi-administered territory immediately.

The Co-Chairs express the hope and expectation that the forthcoming Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meeting in Ergneti on 1 March will be an occasion to provide further information on the circumstances surrounding the detention of Mr Tatunashvili, Mr Kutashvili and Mr Pavliashvili and the subsequent death in custody of Mr Tatunashvili.