Schools, clinics and water supply renovation discussed at OSCE-chaired meeting in the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict

TBILISI, 15 February 2008 - Ongoing internationally-funded projects for the economic rehabilitation of the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict were discussed at an OSCE-chaired meeting in Tskhinvali today.

The Steering Committee meeting was held in the OSCE premises, where the Georgian and Ossetian sides were joined by the representatives from North Ossetia and Russia, eight OSCE donor states and the European Commission.

A wide range of issues were discussed, including the construction of a major potable-water pipeline in the Znauri region that will improve drinking water access for a number of villages. In addition, a progress report was presented on four schools and a clinic that are currently being refurbished or constructed in the area.

Design plans for the Tskhinvali orphanage were discussed, together with the provision of a new heating system for the Tskhinvali hospital. The new heating system will be installed over the summer to be ready for the next winter season.

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