Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07STATE8582
2007-01-23 22:49:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ABKHAZIA, GEORGIA CONSULTATIONS,

Tags:  GE UNSC 
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OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #8582 0232255
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 232249Z JAN 07
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0000
INFO RUEHSI/AMEMBASSY TBILISI IMMEDIATE 0000
UNCLAS STATE 008582 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: GE UNSC
SUBJECT: INSTRUCTIONS FOR ABKHAZIA, GEORGIA CONSULTATIONS,
1/24/07

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