OSCE Chairman-in-Office condemns shelling of civilian area in South Ossetia

LJUBLJANA, 21 September 2005 - The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, has condemned those who launched an artillery attack last night in a populated area of Tskhinvali, the main town in the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict.

"The firing of heavy weapons into civilian areas is not only a serious breach of the ceasefire agreement, but it is also against all norms of civilized behaviour and decency. I have no hesitation in totally condemning this act", he said.

It is believed around 10 civilians were injured in last night's attack. No deaths have been reported.

Minister Rupel added that he joined with Ambassador Roy Reeve, Head of the OSCE Mission to Georgia, in expecting that the relevant authorities would conduct an urgent investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

He extended his sympathy to those injured and their friends and relations.

"In the light of this and other events, I would support the Mission's repeated call for an early meeting at the highest level between the sides."