Russia not to repeal recognizing independencies of Abkhazia and South Ossetia: PACE Monitoring Committee’s rapparteur

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe's (PACE) Rapparteur for on fulfilling Resolution 1633 on the theme Consequences of the war between Georgia and Russia and Belgium MP Luc van den Brande spoke with Trend in an exclusive interview on Jan. 29.

Trend : How do you assess results of discussions on the Resolution?

Luc van den Brande: I can say that the adopted Resolution does not only assess the current situation compared to a situation in October 2008. This document will enable to reach mutual understanding between two countries, including Abkhazia and South Ossetia. I can cite a concrete example. Everybody insists entry to South Ossetia to be free both from south and north. Everybody understands that humanitarian consequences of the armed conflict cannot be frozen due to an opposite political approach. After these discussions, I came to the conclusion that there are absolute opposite positions concerning the war and its consequences. Russians and Georgians never were historical enemies. It is necessary to continue a dialogue and openly to speak about the done and undone work on this direction. Despite a great difference between positions, I have become hopeful on this issue after discussions.

However, at present we have not fulfilled all tasks. Therefore, it was offered to form a Commission or a round table which would comprise Russian and Georgian MPs, as well as officials of Abkhazia and South Ossetia to continue discussions at more efficient form.

As to Georgia's irritable attitude toward participating of these regions' officials in the Commission, we obviously stated once more that the country's territorial integrity is a basic principle which has been described in the adopted document. Furthermore, there is another milestone on this matter which we cannot leave for the sides' judgment. A lot of people live in these regions and we should be interested in them until the region's status is determined. Under our reports and resolutions, people in Abkhazia and South Ossetia should use human rights protecting mechanisms and protection of great CE family. Therefore, we have offered fully to fulfill Action Plan to provide the region's people with rights described in the Human Rights Convention. There is a principal problem concerning status, but we cannot close eyes to oppressing human rights and basic values.

Q: Do you believe Russia will annul its unilateral recognizing independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia?

A: I'm pessimistic that Russia will annul recognizing independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russian officials state everywhere, including in Strasbourg that they will not repeal recognizing independence of separatist regions despite demands. At the same time there are some optimistic milestones on this matter. Thus, the Geneva meetings have great importance. True, positive results need time. Here we are discussing one of six points of peace treaty signed on Aug. 12 in 2008. We will hope these discussions will be fruitful.

Q: As to you, do the CE sanction mechanisms have enough influence?

A: As to efficiency of the CE sanction mechanisms, we should not impose anything by force. We can offer something. It is necessary to draw the conflict sides and their politicians in joint work. We should not give up. I think imposing sanctions would fail holding negotiations. A sanction mechanism is the easiest way, but they should be used very carefully. I prefer holding a dialogue or round table between the sides. Even if these negotiations resemble "deaf-and-dumb" dialogue, we should make very effort to observe and listen to both sides.