Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position, one year after the conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation, as it pertains between these two nations; and the European Union's role in seeking to foster peace in the area. [31750/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the already difficult relationship between Georgia and the Russian Federation was further exacerbated by the violent conflict which broke out on 7-8 August 2008 and by the decision of the Russian Federation to recognise the break-away regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states.

The efforts of the international community have helped return some stability to the region, and work is continuing with a view to achieving a sustainable resolution. However, the situation remains tense. On 30 April 2009, agreements were signed between the Russian Federation and South Ossetia and Abkhazia allowing Russian border guards to be stationed along the break-away regions' administrative boundaries. Ireland supported the EU Presidency statement noting that the agreements were in contravention of the Medvedev-Sarkozy six point plan of 12 August 2008. The statement also reiterated the EU's support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. Tension has also been caused by vessels attempting to access Abkhazia directly via the Black Sea.

Meetings under the Geneva Talks Process, established in the Medvedev-Sarkozy six-point agreement and co-chaired by the UN, the EU and the OSCE, have taken place on seven occasions. The most recent meeting took place on 17 September 2009 during which the Co-Chairs reviewed the general security situation and the work of the joint incident prevention and response mechanisms. Participants at the talks welcomed the regular convening of these mechanisms which provide an important contribution towards improving stability and security on the ground by providing a means for all sides to respond quickly to security incidents. Participants also discussed a non-paper prepared by the Co-Chairs relating to the non-use of force and international security arrangements. In addition, discussions took place on issues such as the return of refugees and internally displaced persons.

Ireland strongly supports the Geneva Talks Process, which remains an essential element in facilitating dialogue between the Russian Federation and Georgia. I am pleased that the recent talks in Geneva were conducted in a positive atmosphere and welcome the continued operation of the incident prevention and response mechanisms, which provide an important forum for addressing security-related matters and preventive measures. I also welcome the continued focus on humanitarian issues at the talks. The next meeting is scheduled for 11 November 2009.

I regret that it did not prove possible to reach agreement on extending the mandates for the UN and OSCE missions to Georgia. However, the EU Monitoring Mission, which was deployed on 1 October 2008 in accordance with the arrangements set out in the agreement negotiated by the then EU Presidency, continues to play a vital role in monitoring the situation on the ground. Ireland has contributed four personnel to the EU Monitoring Mission. In addition, EU member states, including Ireland, have provided vital humanitarian assistance to those affected by the fighting.

An EU-backed independent international inquiry into the conflict in Georgia was launched in December 2008 under the leadership of Heidi Tagliavini, a Swiss former UN special representative to Georgia, and is tasked to look into the origins and unfolding of the conflict in Georgia. It is expected that the inquiry will issue a report later this year.

On the 9 September a Georgian resolution concerning the issue of internally displaced persons was approved by the UN General Assembly by 48 votes to 19, with 78 abstentions. Ireland, together with the vast majority of EU member states, supported the resolution. Ireland, together with its EU partners, supports the territorial integrity of Georgia and actively engages in efforts to find a lasting and peaceful resolution to this conflict.