OSCE denounces 10 March elections in Abkhazia, Georgia

BUCHAREST, 9 March 2001 - The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe has denounced the holding of local elections in Abkhazia, Georgia, on Saturday, 10 March 2001, without the participation of those forcibly expelled from the region. This represents a violation of their fundamental right to vote.

OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, said the illegitimacy of these so-called elections might undermine the peace process and create obstacles for an early and comprehensive settlement of the conflict.

The OSCE has previously condemned the forcible expulsion of the predominantly Georgian population from Abkhazia during hostilities in 1992-93, and also during events in May 1998 in the Gali region. Most of the Georgian population of Abkhazia, in fact, now live in difficult and uncertain conditions at centres for internally displaced persons throughout Georgia, still prevented from returning to their homes in Abkhazia.

For further information contact the Press and Public Information Section of the OSCE Secretariat, tel.: (+ 43-1) 514 36 180 or e-mail: info@osce.org