INSTRUCTIONS FOR ABKHAZIA, GEORGIA CONSULTATIONS,

UNCLAS STATE 008582 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: GE UNSC SUBJECT: INSTRUCTIONS FOR ABKHAZIA, GEORGIA CONSULTATIONS, 1/24/07 ¶1. (U) This is an action request. USUN should draw from the points in para 2 below during consultations on the Secretary General's quarterly report on the "Situation in SIPDIS Abkhazia, Georgia" currently scheduled for January 24. ¶2. (SBU) Begin points. -- The U.S. appreciates the efforts of SRSG Jean Arnault, UNDPKO, and UNOMIG observers on the ground to monitor and report fairly on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia. The report provides detailed information on several issues of great importance, including the serious security situation in the Gali district, violence and killings in both the Gali and Zugdidi sectors, and human rights abuses. We believe these conditions deter the return and reintegration of internally displaced persons. -- More encouragingly, the report informs us about the continuing efforts of UNOMIG, as well as UNHCR, UNDP, the United Nations Children's Fund, the World Food Program, and the ICRC to improve conditions for the residents of Abkhazia, Georgia and promote conditions for the return of IDPs. Numerous national governments, including the United States, as well as the European Commission and international and national NGOs are lending important support. -- These efforts show the determination of the international community to support all the people of Georgia in addressing the unacceptable humanitarian situation that continues as a result of the conflict and to assist those displaced by the conflict to exercise their right to return in safety and dignity. -- We are deeply concerned at the human rights abuses described in this report, such as arbitrary conscription of Gali residents, denial of freedom of movement between the Gali district and Zugdidi, large-scale detention of Gali residents by Abkhaz militia, and denial by Abkhaz de facto courts of claims by displaced property owners to repossess their illegally occupied property. These abuses are a primary deterrent to the return of displaced persons, and we must do more to put an end to such practices. -- The security and human rights developments described underscore the need for greater attention by the UN and the international community to developing ways and means to create appropriate conditions for the return of displaced persons. -- We are encouraged that the report describes some progress in the fulfillment of UNSCR 1716. The conduct of two joint patrols in the upper Kodori valley, with full cooperation from both sides, is an especially welcome development. -- The inventorying, inspection, and UNOMIG-observed destruction of a large amount of ammunition and some heavy weapons seized by the Georgian side reportedly from rebel and criminal groups will significantly contribute to improved security in this region, and we welcome the goodwill demonstrated by all who participated in this effort. -- The emergency medical evacuation of a Georgian Interior Ministry serviceman was also a good example of the potential for cooperation. -- The report notes fundamental differences between the two sides on political and practical issues of implementation of the cease-fire agreement. The United States has consistently called on all parties to adhere to the cease-fire agreement. We welcome the willingness of the Georgian side to address in cooperation with UNOMIG all remaining concerns about the Kodori valley operation. -- We support the Secretary General in his assessment that concerns related to this issue -- and indeed all issues between the sides, ranging from practical cooperation to a political settlement of the conflict -- can be best addressed through a direct and sustained dialogue. We strongly urge the sides to engage in such discussions without further delay. -- As a member of the Group of Friends, we stand ready to support the sides and the Secretary General in such efforts. -- Again, we thank the Secretary General for the report before us and look forward to further information, particularly on the human rights situation and progress toward creation of conditions for the return of displaced persons in the next report. End points. RICE