Abkhazia, S Ossetia, Georgia to discuss treaty on non-use of force.

SUKHUM, January 25 (Itar-Tass) -- During the 9th round of the Geneva
consultations scheduled for January 28, representatives of Abkhazia, South
Ossetia and Georgia will begin talks on an agreement for the non-use of
force, the head of the Abkhazian delegation and a presidential advisor for
international affairs, Vyacheslav Chirikba, told reporters on Sunday.

The
Abkhazian delegation will also include Deputy Foreign Minister Maxim
Gvindzhia, Deputy Defence Minister Garry Kupalba and Foreign Ministry's
official Lana Agrba.
"This document is important not only for Abkhazia and South Ossetia,
but also for the Caucasus in general, as everybody is interested in
stability and security guarantees," Chirikba noted. "However, political
problems hamper to achieve this treaty: Georgia is trying to link the
non-use of force with the return of refugees what we do not intend to
agree with. The problems of security and the return of refugees are two
different problems, which should be solved separately," Chirikba noted.
"Considering Abkhazia as a country not recognized by the world
community Georgia insists on an agreement for the non-use of force to be
signed by Georgia and Russia that is also unrealistic, because Russia does
not need such a treaty, as the country is not afraid of an armed attack
from Georgia," Chirikba pointed out.
"If Georgia wants to reach peace in the region, the country cannot do
without Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This is our major argument," Bagapsh's
advisor said. According to Chirikba, Abkhazia and South Ossetia are
attempting to persuade their Georgian opponents that this problem should
be taken with responsibility.
The negotiating parties presented their agreement drafts, but the
Abkhazian one is "the most concise," Chirikba emphasized. "The draft
contains the reference on international agreements, the declaration on the
non-use of force, the issues of guarantees and guarantors. The document is
very businesslike, and we will try to lay it as a basis of a treaty,"
Chirikba said.
Meanwhile, he is confident that "the negotiations will not be easy and
quick, and it is necessary to take patience." "It is very beneficial for
us, we do not lose anything. The time works for Abkhazia. Therefore, I
believe that we should participate in this process," the head of the
Abkhazian delegation at the Geneva consultations said.