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Russia-Georgia set for new talks Fresh Russia-Georgia talks begin
(about 2 hours later)
Representatives from Russia and Georgia are due to hold talks in Geneva - in the wake of their five-day conflict over South Ossetia in August. Representatives from Russia and Georgia have begun talks in Geneva aimed at defusing tensions after their five-day conflict over South Ossetia in August.
The talks, which are being mediated by the UN and the European Union, are designed to encourage a return of stability and security to the region. The talks, mediated by the UN and the European Union, are designed to encourage a return of stability and security to the region.
But major disagreements over the territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia could make the talks tricky.But major disagreements over the territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia could make the talks tricky.
Just a month ago a first round of talks in Geneva fell apart after one day.Just a month ago a first round of talks in Geneva fell apart after one day.
The Russian and Georgian delegations were never even in the same room together, leaving diplomats from the EU and the UN gritting their teeth as they tried to sort out differences over seating arrangements.The Russian and Georgian delegations were never even in the same room together, leaving diplomats from the EU and the UN gritting their teeth as they tried to sort out differences over seating arrangements.
Disputed territories 'No titles'
This time, those tricky niceties may be solved, but fundamental disagreements remain.This time, those tricky niceties may be solved, but fundamental disagreements remain.
Russia says it wants delegates from the disputed territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia to be full participants at the talks.Russia says it wants delegates from the disputed territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia to be full participants at the talks.
But Georgia says they are integral parts of its territory, and therefore should not be treated in Geneva as independent states. Georgia says they are integral parts of its territory, and therefore should not be treated in Geneva as independent states.
However, one delegate reported that both sides got round this issue by deciding not to use official titles.
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, who brokered a ceasefire between the two sides, admits Russia has not yet withdrawn the agreed number of troops from South Ossetia.French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, who brokered a ceasefire between the two sides, admits Russia has not yet withdrawn the agreed number of troops from South Ossetia.
Privately, however, French diplomats say recent contacts with Moscow and Tbilisi have been positive.Privately, however, French diplomats say recent contacts with Moscow and Tbilisi have been positive.
Nevertheless, no-one is betting on any quick breakthrough at these talks.Nevertheless, no-one is betting on any quick breakthrough at these talks.