Statement from OSCE Chairman-in-Office on the situation in Abkhazia

BUCHAREST, 17 October 2001 (OSCE) - The Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, expresses his concern about the recent developments in Georgia's breakaway province of Abkhazia, in particular about the escalation of hostilities which could lead to the destabilization of Georgia and the region as a whole, while worsening the situation of internally displaced persons and refugees.

Reaffirming OSCE's support for Georgian sovereignty and territorial integrity, Mr. Geoana urges all sides to refrain from military action, to respect the cease-fire agreement and to engage in meaningful negotiations.

OSCE supports the efforts of the United Nations aimed at facilitating the peace process in Abkhazia, in order to identify a peaceful, political solution to the conflict.