Azerbaijan, Baku, August 6 / Trend E. Ostapenko /
The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, said on August 6 that she was concerned about tensions in the areas affected by the August 2008 conflict in Georgia and called on all sides to refrain from actions and statements that could destabilize
the situation further, OSCE official message said.
"Almost a year after the beginning of the conflict, we are facing a highly sensitive time," she said. "Wounds are still raw, and the region remains fragile and volatile. Lives were lost during the conflict and after, and people forced to flee their homes lack the support they need to be able
return to live in dignity," she said.
Military actions launched in the territory of unrecognized republic of South Ossetia on August 8, 2008. Georgian troops entered the capital of South Ossetia - Tskhinvali. Afterwards, Russian troops occupied the city and drove Georgian military men back to Georgia.
Bakoyannis emphasized that the OSCE remained involved in Georgia and hoped to ensure a strong presence for the Organization in the country to help strengthen security in the region.
The OSCE observers mission, operating in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict was terminated in June 2009. Russia agreed to extend their mandate under the condition that a separate monitoring group, independent from the one that will work in Georgia will be established in South Ossetia.
Tbilisi stood against it categorically. Tbilisi decided that Moscow is trying to achieve recognition of South Ossetia indirectly from the international community. Besides Russia, only Nicaragua recognized independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
The OSCE is committed to helping to create lasting peace and security for
the benefit of all peoples," she said. Bakoyannis said she regretted that the OSCE Mission to Georgia had to close earlier this year after working to improve the region's stability since 1992. The Mission's mandate expired at the end of 2008, and the Greek Chairmanship suspended negotiations to seek consensus around a new mandate in May, following months of intensive talks. At the end of June, the mandate for an OSCE deployment of unarmed military monitoring officers to Georgia expired and the Mission was closed.
Bakoyannis regretted that the OSCE Mission to Georgia had to close earlier this year after working to improve the region's stability since 1992.
OSCE remains focused on finding a solution that would enable the OSCE to have a strong presence in Georgia, Bakoyannis said. She expressed hope that despite the difficulties so far, we will be able to find consensus on a format for such work.
Such a presence is needed now more than ever. We need more OSCE in the region, not less,"she said.
The OSCE was still working to improve security in the region - the Organization is co-chairing the Geneva Discussions along with the United Nations and the European Union.
"The Geneva Discussions are the only forum where all parties meet and discuss security and stability as well as humanitarian concerns," she said.
Thanks to these discussions, there has been progress on important humanitarian matters, such as delivery of gas. The OSCE is also promoting joint efforts to improve the water supply with a view to ensuring access to potable and irrigation water by all populations, chairman said. In addition, the OSCE is helping to facilitate meetings of a joint incident prevention and response mechanism, which enables regular contact between the sides for sharing information and discussing security concerns.
We are committed to continuing these efforts and achieving results," she said.
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