OSCE Chairman deeply concerned over reported deaths in the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict

SOFIA, 13 August 2004 - OSCE Chairman-in-Office Solomon Passy said he was deeply concerned about the escalation of military confrontation in the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, and in particular about the reports of deaths, casualties and firing on villages located in the zone of conflict.

"Such acts have to be strongly condemned and more vigorous efforts need to be taken in order to stop the escalation of the conflict," said Bulgarian Foreign Minister Passy.

The Chairman-in-Office regretted that despite repeated declarations by both sides on their readiness to settle differences in a peaceful way, the situation in the zone of conflict continued to deteriorate.

Minister Passy also referred to the recent visit of his envoy, former Bulgarian President Zhelyu Zhelev, to Tbilisi and Tskhinvali. During his meetings, Dr. Zhelev pointed that one of the conditions for easing the tensions between the parties and for fostering the political settlement process is the implementation of the relevant commitments, reached in the framework of the negotiation process.

Minister Passy stressed the need for both sides to agree on effective measures to prevent the reoccurrence of violent clashes. He reiterated his previous calls for the immediate separation and withdrawal of all armed formations, other than the peacekeeping forces, from the zone of conflict.

"The presence of unauthorized military, para-military and 'home defence' forces in the zone of conflict is the major obstacle for the success of efforts aimed at reducing tension in the area," he added.

"In order to stimulate the political process, I already proposed to organize high-level political negotiations in Sofia. Now, I reiterate this invitation and want to stress that a long-lasting settlement of the conflict may only be achieved through serious dialogue involving high-level decision-makers," Minister Passy said.

Upon instructions by the Chairman-in-Office, Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister Katya Todorova discussed yesterday with Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Merab Antadze the current situation in South Ossetia.

Deputy Minister Todorova stressed the readiness of the Bulgarian OSCE Chairmanship to lend full support to the parties in the search for mutually acceptable solutions.