On October 16, Grigory Karasin, the head of the Russian Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, said that the Geneva discussions on the settlement of the situation in the South Caucasus are an example of common sense in international affairs.

Karasin noted that the primary goal of the Geneva discussions is the lasting security of [the separatist] South Ossetia and Abkhazia and stability in the South Caucasus region. "The established structure is an effective insurance against serious aggravations in the region and an example of international cooperation in complex, explosive situations," the Russian official believes. Karasin emphasized, "It is important that the meetings of the mechanism continue even in today's difficult conditions and remain an example of common sense in international affairs."

"Here is an alternative to all kinds of sanctions and mutual bitterness!" he concluded.