OSCE Chairman voices concern over violence in zone of Georgian-Ossetian conflict

MADRID, 29 January 2007 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, expressed his concern today over a series of violent incidents in recent days in the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict.

Three South Ossetian policemen were shot and wounded on Sunday morning. Two Russian soldiers of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces were also wounded on 15 January as a result of a landmine explosion.

"I am concerned about the increasing number of violent incidents in the zone of conflict," said Minister Moratinos. "It is of vital importance that meaningful political dialogue between all parties to the conflict be resumed as soon as possible to look for effective ways of reducing tension."

The Chairman-in-Office urged all sides to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions or statements which would inflame the situation further.