A step was taken in the direction of resuming direct Abkhaz-Georgian talks last week as “the group of friends” discussed the region's situation in the presence of ministers from both countries.

Below is an article published by the Georgian Times:

No direct, Georgian-Abkhaz, talks have been held in Bonn during the meeting of UN Secretary General’s Group of Friends, Abkhaz news agency reported quoting breakaway region’s Foreign Minister Sergey Shamba.

Diplomats from France, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and the U.S. - the Group of Friends - met in Bonn on June 27-28 and discussed recent developments in the Abkhaz conflict zone.

Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues Merab Antadze and Abkhaz Foreign Minster Sergey Shamba were also present at the discussions.

Diplomats from the Group of Friends held series of separate talks with the Georgian and Abkhaz representatives, Shamba said.

The Abkhaz side refuses to hold direct talks with Tbilisi unless the latter withdraws its forces and headquarters of its backed Abkhaz governmental-in-exile from upper Kodori Gorge of Abkhazia.

The Georgian State Minister’s press office reported on June 28 that the Georgian side has informed the Group of Friends about Tbilisi’s desire to resume direct talks with the Abkhaz side.