OSCE Chairmanship deeply disturbed over Georgian bombing reports
The OSCE Mission to Georgia has been monitoring the border with the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation since 1999. (OSCE) Photo details
LISBON, 23 August 2002 - The OSCE's Chairmanship is deeply disturbed by reports that targets in Georgia were subjected to aerial bombardment today and regrets the loss of life.
The Chairmanship noted that OSCE monitors from the Girevi Patrol Base, south of the Chechen part of the Georgian-Russian Federation border, had observed numerous aircraft flying from north to south between 0515 and 0600 hours on Friday. The planes were flying at high altitude at subsonic speed. Several minutes later, the patrol saw flashes and heard the sound of detonations.
The Chairmanship appeals for an end to all violent acts and calls on all those involved to refrain from any steps that could further increase tension in the region.