Geneva International Discussions

The Geneva International Discussions are talks launched in 2008 to address security and humanitarian issues arising from the Russo-Georgian War and its aftermath.

Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms: Regular arrangements for addressing security incidents and maintaining communication between parties to a conflict. These mechanisms are the discussions’ practical channel for reducing risks along boundary lines.
Russo-Georgian War: The August 2008 armed conflict between Georgia and Russia, involving South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The war created the urgent security and humanitarian agenda addressed by the discussions.
European Union: A political and economic union of European member states. The EU co-chairs the discussions and its monitoring mission operates in Georgia.
Freedom of movement: The ability of people to travel without undue restriction between places. Restrictions on crossing boundary lines affect daily life in the areas under discussion.
Geneva peace process: The continuing diplomatic process established after the 2008 Russia–Georgia war. The discussions are the principal continuing multilateral forum within this process.
Co-chairmanship: A process in which several parties jointly chair a meeting or negotiation. The European Union, United Nations, and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe co-chair the talks.
Six-point agreement: The August 2008 ceasefire plan negotiated by French President Nicolas Sarkozy between Russia and Georgia. The agreement called for international discussions on security and stability in the region.
United Nations: An international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation. The UN co-chairs the discussions and contributes diplomatic support.
Missing persons: People whose whereabouts are unknown, often after armed conflict or other emergencies. Clarifying the fate of people missing from the 2008 war and its aftermath is a humanitarian concern.
Russian occupation of Georgia: Georgia’s description of Russia’s military presence and control in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The dispute over Russian forces and territorial control limits agreement at the talks.

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