OSCE Chairman denounces detentions in zone of Georgian-Ossetian conflict

SOFIA, 8 July 2004 - OSCE Chairman-in-Office Solomon Passy expressed grave concern on Thursday over recent developments in the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict and called for the immediate release of Georgian citizens detained by South Ossetian armed units.

"I strongly denounce the detention of Georgian citizens by South Ossetian armed units this morning in the zone of conflict," the Bulgarian Foreign Minister said. "I consider this to be an extremely dangerous step and I urge the South Ossetian authorities to release the detainees immediately."

The Chairman-in-Office discussed the current situation in South Ossetia and the role of the OSCE in helping with de-escalation with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Zurab Zhvania.

The Chairman-in-Office called upon the South Ossetian authorities to refrain from any action which could further destabilize the situation in the zone of conflict and noted that developments in the zone could have adverse effects on security and stability in the wider region.

Appealing for the sides to exercise maximum restraint, Minister Passy said he expected the Joint Peace Keeping Forces to take prompt action to defuse the current tensions. He expressed hope that renewed efforts would be made to stimulate the peaceful settlement of the conflict and underlined the OSCE's readiness to assist.