OSCE Chairman-in-Office pleased with efforts to resolve conflict in Georgia

TBILISI, 1 March 2001 - The Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, today expressed his satisfaction with the positive developments in the efforts to resolve the conflict in South Ossetia, Georgia. The next round of talks between the parties will take place in Bucharest at a date to be specified later. This was agreed during a visit by the Chairman-in-Office to Tbilisi, which ended Thursday.

During his visit, Mr. Geoana had talks with Georgia President Eduard Shevardnadze, State Minister Giorgi Arsenishvili, Foreign Minister Irakli Mengarishvili and other representatives of the political leadership. He also met with representatives of civil society and media.

One of the topics discussed was the OSCE monitoring mission at the border between Georgia and the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation. The border monitoring mission was seen as having significantly contributed to lessening of tensions and preventing a spillover in the region. Georgia has asked the Permanent Council of the OSCE for an extension of the mandate of the mission, which expires in April.

Among other issues touched upon during the visit were the conflict in Abhkazia, the return of refugees and displaced persons, property restitution and economic rehabilitation. The Chairman-in-Office also drew attention to recent reports on the human rights situation in Georgia. In this context he highlighted the need for reforms of the electoral legislation. He also called for a greater awareness of the need for religious tolerance.

The visit to Georgia was part of tour by the OSCE Chairman-in-Office to the Southern Caucasus region. The tour includes visits to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan.

For further information contact the Press and Public Information Section of the OSCE Secretariat, tel.: (+ 43-1) 514 36 180 or e-mail: info@osce.org