OSCE economic rehabilitation projects in zone of Georgian-Ossetian conflict discussed in Tskhinvali

TBILISI, 19 October 2007 - Ongoing internationally-funded projects for the economic rehabilitation of the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict are being discussed at an OSCE-chaired meeting underway in Tskhinvali today.

At the working meeting of the Steering Committee, which includes representatives of donors and the sides (Georgian, South Ossetian, North Ossetian and Russian Federation) OSCE engineers are outlining the progress of ongoing projects, including those on potable water-related activities and improvement of infrastructure as well as development of agriculture and the business sector.

Donor representatives from the European Commission, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Sweden (SIDA), Turkey and the United States attending the meeting are learning about the near-completion of a project to supply drinking water to Georgian and Ossetian villages around Disevi, and construction work on schools for both communities including those in and around Orteu and Sveri.

An assessment of the current condition of water irrigation systems is also being examined at the meeting, including the results to date from the OSCE team's preliminary assessment of irrigation systems in the zone of conflict.

The Committee is also reviewing plans for implementation of projects for social infrastructure, gas and electricity.

The Steering Committee meets regularly to agree on implementation of projects managed by the OSCE. International donors pledged some eight million euros to the programme, aimed at building confidence between communities in the area.