22:05, 15 February 2007

Discussion of the Georgian-Abkhazian peace process summarized in Geneva

"Together with Mr. Jean-Mari Gennos, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Peacemaking Operations, the Friends have discussed the Georgian-Abkhazian peace process under the aegis of the United Nations, and the ways to promote the dialogue between the parties," the summarizing document runs.

The United Nations Organization and the Group of Friends "have confirmed their support to settlement of the conflict, which should be achieved through negotiations, within the framework of corresponding resolutions of the Security Council, including Resolution 1716 (2006)."

The Friends have emphasized "the necessity of immediate interaction on safety issues both in the upper section of the Kodor Gorge and in the conflict zone." They have also emphasized the need "to abstain from any actions that can hamper the progress."

The Friends have reconfirmed the right of refugees to return to Abkhazia, and called the parties to concentrate their attention on practical actions to improve the conditions for return, first of all, to the town of Gali.

Author: Alena Aleschenko, CK correspondent