Abkhaz side refused to take part in Geneva talks on February 17-18, organized by the UN Secretary-General’s group of friends on Georgia, comprising of Britain, the U.S. Russia, France and Germany.
“Abkhazia does not intend to study the proposals from the ambassadors [from the countries of the group] which aim to set out constitutional prerogatives between Tbilisi and Sukhumi,” de facto Abkhaz Foreign Minister Sergei Shamba told Russian news agency Itar-Tass.
Abkhaz side insists on recognition of breakaway republic’s independence, while the Georgian side offers “the broadest autonomy within the Georgian state.”
Georgia’s Special Affairs Minister Malkhaz Kakabadze, who until know was in charge of the conflict resolution attends the meeting in Geneva.
Goga Khaindrava, who was nominated as the State Minster in charge of conflict settlement in the new cabinet, also participates in the meeting.
Abkhaz de facto Foreign Minister Sergei Shamba visited Tbilisi on February 10 and discussed security issues in the conflict zone with the Georgian side.