INSTRUCTION ON GEORGIA - GUIDANCE ON UNOMIG

UNCLAS STATE 108163

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC GG RU PREL
SUBJECT: INSTRUCTION ON GEORGIA - GUIDANCE ON UNOMIG
CONSULTATIONS

REF: STATE 107889


1. (SBU) This is an action request: USUN is authorized
to respond to comments made to the Security Council during
UNOMIG consultations on October 9, 2008 drawing on the
guidance below. The Department understands that there
will not be debate, statements, or explanations of vote
during the UNOMIG consultations or the subsequent vote
on UNOMIG's extension (reftel).

BEGIN GUIDANCE
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-- The United States would like to thank the Secretary-
General for his report on UNOMIG and for his efforts to
resolve the situation in Georgia. I would also like to
thank Assistant Secretary General Mulet and SRSG Verbeke
for their efforts and for their briefings this morning.
Today I would like to make three points.

-- First, the United States supports the Secretary Generals
recommendation for a continuing UN role throughout
Georgia and endorses the SYGs recommendation that the
Security Council extend the mandate of the UNOMIG Mission
for four months. We have circulated a German drafted
resolution, which would extend the current UNOMIG mandate
on a technical basis until February 15. We hope this
resolution can be adopted today without debate.

-- We acknowledge that the Council will need to review the
proper role for the UN in Georgia at sometime in the
future. However we do not want to get out in front of the
Geneva talks and the further discussions planned by Mr.
Verbeke and the SYG with interested parties. We look
forward to receiving the next report of the SYG before
February 15, 2009.

-- Second, a continued UN role of some kind in Georgia is
important -- particularly to address human rights and
humanitarian issues, and the needs of internally displaced
persons. The SYGs Humanitarian Assessment Mission to
South Ossetia noted in its report that the protection of
civilians and creating conditions for return and durable
solutions for the most vulnerable populations was the most
urgent humanitarian concern. It is also imperative that the
UN continue to assess and investigate human rights abuses in
South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and the adjacent areas.

-- Although the Humanitarian Assessment Mission has not
been granted access to the areas adjacent to South Ossetia
and Abkhazia to date, they have received reliable reports
of looting, intimidation, and forced displacement.

-- Unfettered access to these areas is essential for the
Humanitarian Mission to best assist those in need. We
agree with the Missions conclusion that open access to
South Ossetia from the South (i.e. Georgia) is necessary
to provide humanitarian relief.

-- In addition, unfettered access may improve
communication between the Mission, local authorities and
other international elements in Georgia. Moreover, and as
the SYG report notes, UNOMIGs presence in other areas of
Georgia has helped to reassure the local population with
regard to their safety and security.

-- Third, the United States welcomes the participation of
the UN, through the participation of Mr. Verbeke, in the
Geneva talks. The Geneva talks are the appropriate forum
for discussion of security concerns, including human security,
among all the parties.

-- The United States looks forward to participating in the
talks and we have confidence that the three co-chairs of
the Geneva talks will be able to find a suitable format
and agenda.

Department Point of Contact
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2. (U) USUN should provide updates and seek additional
guidance if necessary. Department's point of contact is
IO/UNP K.G. Moore, 202-647-0042,
moorekg@state.gov.
RICE