Switzerland remains committed to South Caucasus talks in Geneva
Published: Monday, Apr 15th 2024, 18:11
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Despite criticism from Russia, Switzerland is committed to continuing the international talks on security in the South Caucasus in Geneva. Switzerland remains committed to ensuring that delegations wishing to do so can travel to Geneva or another location in Switzerland to work under the "best possible conditions", the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs told the Keystone-SDA news agency on Monday.
Switzerland is convinced that only the path of dialog can lead to lasting solutions to disputes, wrote the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
On Sunday, Russia criticized Switzerland for its stance in the Ukraine war and questioned the country's neutrality. Russia felt compelled to raise the issue of moving the talks to another country, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in Moscow.
"We have repeatedly drawn the Swiss side's attention to the fact that its irresponsible adherence to an openly anti-Russian course violates its declared 'neutrality'," said the spokeswoman. She also mentioned Switzerland's participation in the sanctions against Russia and its "unreserved solidarity with the Kiev regime".
Criticism of Ukraine peace conference
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman also criticized the Ukraine conference planned for mid-June at Bürgenstock NW as a "destructive initiative" and "an idea that is completely detached from reality". Switzerland wants to develop a legal framework that would enable the confiscation of Russian state assets deposited in the country.
In view of this, Russia feels compelled to concretize the question of transferring the international Caucasus talks to another country. Russia favors a country "whose authorities do not take actions that harm the interests of any of the participants in this negotiating format". The spokesperson explained that several other states had agreed to host the regular discussion meetings.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the talks are specifically about the Black Sea region of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgia lost control of both regions of its territory in a war with Russia in 2008. Russia stationed soldiers in both regions.
©Keystone/SDA
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