OSCE Chairman visits economic projects in zone of Georgian-Ossetian conflict and calls for greater co-operation on security

TBILISI, 23 June 2006 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht, visited several economic rehabilitation projects today in the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, as part of a two-day visit to Georgia.

During the visit, he stressed the importance of co-operation between the sides on security issues, including those related to the implementation of the rehabilitation programme.

The Minister's visit to water management projects in Tskhinvali and the Georgian village of Kekhvi followed a Donors' Conference he hosted last week in Brussels, where more than 10 million Euros was pledged to help rebuild the area socially and economically. He also visited the hospital in Tskhinvali.

"I came to see for myself some of the projects which will improve significantly the living conditions of the communities and promote their co-operation. Also, I wanted to have direct dialogue with the sides to invite them to invest jointly in peace and security," said Minister De Gucht.

"It is encouraging that yesterday the leadership of the law enforcement bodies of the sides met at the highest level and agreed to increase the level of co-operation."

During his visit to Georgia, which started yesterday, the Chairman-in-Office met President Mikheil Saakashvili, Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli, Foreign Minister Bezhuashvili, and Chairperson of Parliament Nino Burjanadze, to discuss all aspects of the conflict resolution process.

He held similar consultations in Tskhinvali with the South Ossetian leader, Eduard Kokoity. Also in Tskhinvali, he was briefed on security in the zone of conflict by the Commander of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces, Major-General Marat Kulakhmetov, and the OSCE Field Office personnel.

The Chairman-in-Office told the South Ossetian side that he was aware of unconstructive actions and protests and which were aimed at disrupting the work of the OSCE. He urged the South Ossetian side to act responsibly on this and all aspects of security.

Minister De Gucht also proposed a number of initiatives to help move the peace process forward. Both sides reacted constructively and thus the Chairman-in-Office will further elaborate on the initiatives.

Besides promoting conflict resolution, Minister De Gucht's meetings reaffirmed OSCE support and assistance to Georgia in meeting its commitments. Among others matters, he discussed human rights with the Georgian leadership and civil society representatives.