As the RA MFA reported, the parties continued to discuss a joint oral statement on the non-use of force as the main and most urgent issue on the agenda of the Geneva discussions. The participants spoke in favor of continuing the search for mutually acceptable formulations in order to advance and achieve positive dynamics in this matter. Unfortunately, the destructive position of the Georgian participants, refusing to agree on this document, for many years does not allow progress in the issue of agreeing on the text of a joint oral statement. As a result of this round of discussions, it was not possible to convince the Georgian participants of the necessity of adopting this document. 

All participants of the Geneva Discussions, except for the Georgian one, assessed the situation on the Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-South Ossetian borders as stable and controllable. 

The Abkhaz side drew attention of the participants  to continuing illegal crossing of the state border along the Ingur River, which lead to numerous arrests. 

There was a general interest in reactivating the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Gal. The Abkhaz side expressed its readiness and commitment to resumption of the work of this international mechanism, providing specific issues of mutual interest to be discussed on the IPRM agenda. 

The Abkhazian, Russian and South Ossetian sides reiterated their concern over the ongoing attempts to draw Georgia into NATO, the process of intensive militarization of Georgia through the support of the United States and other countries of the alliance. It was emphasized that all these actions pose a threat to peace and stability in the South Caucasus. 

The Abkhaz delegation reported on the situation with the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the republic, describing it as stable and under control. RA MFA expressed gratitude to the RF delegation for assistance provided, as well as to representatives of international organizations based on the territory of the Republic of Abkhazia. 

There also took place an exchange of views on topical issues related to freedom of movement, education and other issues. 

The next 52nd round of the International Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in Transcaucasia is scheduled for March 23-24, 2021.