Russia, which is currently occupying 20% of Georgia’s territory, should focus on honoring the 2008 ceasefire commitments, before promoting any new discussion platform, - US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who is on an official visit to Georgia, said at a joint press I response to the relevant question of a journalist.

According to him, the countries of South Caucasus should work together to resolve disputes and to strengthen region cooperation.

“Concerning the 3-3 proposal, I would say that Russia, which is currently occupying 20% of Georgia’s territory, should focus on honoring the 2008 ceasefire commitments, before promoting any new discussion platform. We certainly encourage the countries of South Caucasus to work together to resolve disputes and to strengthen region cooperation”, - said the Secretary of Defense.