Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova says Russia is considering relocating the Geneva International Discussions on security and stability in the South Caucasus to another country.
“A replacement venue for the talks is being sought,” Zakharova said at a media briefing. “Given the confidential nature of the discussions, it is premature to speak publicly about a possible location.”
The talks, involving Russia, Georgia, Sukhumi and Tskhinvali, have been held since 2008 following the Russo-Georgian War.
Within this format, Moscow, Sukhumi and Tskhinvali have called for legally binding guarantees from Tbilisi on the non-use of force.
Zakharova links the possible relocation to Switzerland’s departure from neutrality and its decision to join sanctions against Russia.
The opposition party Gakharia For Georgia describes the statement as alarming and calls on the Georgian authorities to clarify their position.
The party says it “immediately demands” that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly state whether it is involved in what it describes as “confidential” negotiations on relocating the Geneva format.
It also claims that the Georgian side has not disclosed details of recent meetings held within the Geneva discussions and the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), adding that information has periodically appeared in Russian-linked media containing what it calls concerning signals regarding Georgia’s territorial integrity.
The party criticises the ruling Georgian Dream, alleging that its policies toward the occupied territories are damaging national interests and sovereignty.
It also links these concerns to earlier political developments, including statements by Bidzina Ivanishvili and legal proceedings against former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia.
The party stresses that the Geneva format, established after the 2008 war, includes participation from international actors such as the OSCE, EU, UN and the United States, and argues that moving the talks to a so-called “neutral” venue could weaken these mechanisms.
It further alleges that Russia is increasing pressure on Georgia’s territorial integrity and calls on the government to clearly state its position.
