OSCE Chairman expresses serious concern about series of recent incidents in Georgian conflict areas

HELSINKI, 4 July 2008 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, expressed profound concern today over a recent series of incidents resulting in loss of life and serious injuries in the Georgian conflict areas.

These incidents, and reports of heavy exchange of fire in the Zone of the Georgian Ossetian conflict, are worrying signs of growing tension, he said.

Stubb urged all sides to take practical measures to de-escalate tensions and to refrain from any action that would further destabilize the situation.

"I call on all parties to use all necessary tools at their disposal to restore dialogue, a pre-condition for building confidence. The OSCE continues to follow the situation carefully and stands ready to assist the parties to defuse tension," he said.

Minister Stubb reiterated the OSCE's commitment to promote joint efforts by the sides to improve the security situation on the ground.