OSCE Chairman is deeply concerned about 'worrying new development' in Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone

MADRID, 2 July 2007 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, expressed his deep concern today over the continuing increase in tension in the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict and, in particular, the casualties caused to both Georgian and Ossetian police officers by sniper fire.

"The deliberate targeting of individuals is totally unacceptable and must cease immediately" said Minister Moratinos who called on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and meet urgently to resolve the outstanding issues of demilitarization and road closures.

"All conflict resolution mechanisms should be used to the full, and there must be dialogue and compromise," he said.

The tension increases with the continuing unwillingness of both sides to find a speedy resolution to the problems concerning the population such as the drinking and irrigation water supply.

The OSCE has previously appealed to the sides to find a solution to these problems. "The OSCE continues to be ready to assist the parties in this endeavour," the Chairman-in-Office reaffirmed.