OSCE Chairman urges all sides to ensure calm in Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone and find workable solutions

BRUSSELS, 11 September 2006 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht, expressed concern today about recent incidents of extensive firing in the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, including last Friday's fatal shooting incident near Tbeti.

"I offer condolences to the family and friends of those killed," the Chairman-in-Office said, referring to the deaths of three Ossetians and one Georgian. "It is deplorable that an already tense situation has been exacerbated by further exchanges of fire between the sides over the weekend."

Minister De Gucht urged all sides to exercise calm, and refrain from any use of violence in the conflict zone.

He expressed the hope that they would use the opportunity presented by an imminent meeting of the Joint Control Commission planned for 14-15 September for urgently needed dialogue.

"It is imperative that the sides use this opportunity to address issues in a constructive and result-oriented manner. Recent events should not be repeated. I hope the sides will consolidate their commitments through creating workable solutions, which they will implement fully."

OSCE Chairman De Gucht will meet with Georgian Foreign Minister Gela Bezhuashvili on 14 September in Brussels. He is also considering sending his Special Envoy Pierre Chevalier to the region for contacts with all parties.