Decision to prolong OSCE border monitoring in Georgia

VIENNA, 29 March 2001 - The Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe has decided to prolong its current border monitoring operation in Georgia until 15 November 2001.

By providing detailed information on the traffic and events around the border, the OSCE seeks to diffuse possible tensions. The border monitoring operation will continue to operate with 42 international personnel, and a budget of 3.9 million Euros during this period.

In December 1999, the mandate of the OSCE Mission to Georgia was expanded to include observation of the border between the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation and Georgia. Twenty-six observers were authorized. At the end of the winter, in April 2000, the OSCE Permanent Council increased the size of the border monitoring operation to include 42 observers, in response to a request by the Government of Georgia.

Today's decision also responds to the need for increased monitoring during the summer period, when a large number of passes will again be accessible.

For more information on the OSCE Mission to Georgia, visit the website at: /georgia