DEMARCHE ON NEXT STEPS ON ABKHAZIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 064167 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/09/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV UNSC RU GG SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON NEXT STEPS ON ABKHAZIA Classified By: EUR A/S Kurt Volker, Acting. Reason: 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) ACTION REQUEST: This is an action request. Embassy is requested to deliver the points in para 2 at the appropriate level to Deputy FM Karasin and report on any response. The points are intended as the basis for discussion of how Russia and the U.S. can cooperate in advancing the implementation of confidence building measures and negotiations on the separatist conflict in Abkhazia, Georgia. Embassy,s assistance is greatly appreciated. END ACTION REQUEST. ¶2. (C/Rel Russia) Begin Talking Points for Russia on Abkhazia Conflict: p Pleased we secured a good UNOMIG mandate renewal resolution in April without rancor of last few renewals, (e.g., October's UNSCR 1716). p UNSCR 1752 endorses a set of steps and CBMs for each side, as well as for the Friends, to improve conditions on the ground and move negotiations forward. p Hope Georgian side's release of Abkhaz official, Chakaberia, followed by the Abkhaz side's release of three Georgian students, clears the way for direct Georgian-Abkhaz dialogue to reduce tensions and make progress on these steps and CBMs. p We worked with the Georgians and assume you worked with the Abkhaz to help effect these releases. p If we see continued progress in these areas, believe the Friends should consider a Geneva-format meeting with the sides in New York at the end of spring/beginning of summer. p Such a meeting would be opportunity for Friends to push sides on the Geneva CBMs and other important aspects of the conflict resolution process. p We have encouraged President Saakashvili to engage with Mr. Bagapsh in pursuit of an agreement involving a non-use-of-force pledge and a commitment to IDP returns. p We seek Russia,s help with Sukhumi to realize such an agreement. p Think all concerned are ready to see serious progress; want to work with Russia, with sides, and through Friends process, to make that happen. End Points. RICE