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 -------------- -- 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 -------------- ¶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