UN to Discuss Resolution on IDPs Return to Abkhazia

The UN General Assembly is expected to discuss a non-binding draft resolution dealing with issues of return of internally displaced persons to Abkhazia on May 15. 

“The draft will be discussed under agenda item 16, which is protracted conflicts in the GUAM area and their implications for international peace, security and development,” Janos Tisovszky, spokesperson for the General Assembly President, said at a press briefing on May 13.

Reportedly the draft resolution calls for development of a schedule of return of IDPs and measures for protection of their property in Abkhazia.
 
On May 15 RIA Novosti news agency quoted an unnamed diplomatic source from UN as saying that Russia plans to vote against the resolution.

Meanwhile, Irakli Alasania, Georgia’s UN envoy, plans to meet with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in New York on May 15. Discussions will focus on the security situation in Abkhazia, the Georgian Foreign Ministry reported. 

Irakli Alasania paid a surprise visit to Sokhumi on May 12 and met with Abkhaz leader Sergey Bagapsh and Foreign Minister Sergey Shamba.