Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08STATE38599
2008-04-11 23:37:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

GUIDANCE: GEORGIA CONSULTATIONS, APRIL 14

Tags:  UNSC GE PREL PBTS 
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VZCZCXYZ0004
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #8599 1022343
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 112337Z APR 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 1309
INFO RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW IMMEDIATE 9733
RUEHSI/AMEMBASSY TBILISI IMMEDIATE 7298
UNCLAS STATE 038599 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC GE PREL PBTS
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE: GEORGIA CONSULTATIONS, APRIL 14


UNCLAS STATE 038599

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC GE PREL PBTS
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE: GEORGIA CONSULTATIONS, APRIL 14



1. (U) This is an action message. USUN may draw from the points
in para 2 below during consultations on Georgia on April 14.


2. (U) Begin points.

-- The U.S. welcomes the Secretary General,s report and
appreciates efforts by UNOMIG and the Special Representative
of the Secretary General to enhance stability and security in
the Abkhazia region of Georgia and to facilitate dialogue
between the Georgian and Abkhaz sides in pursuit of a
peaceful resolution of the conflict.

-- We also strongly welcome the new initiatives put forward
by the Georgian President for the resolution of the conflict.
These far-reaching initiatives include representation for
the Abkhaz at all levels of government, the new post of Vice
President reserved exclusively for an Abkhaz representative,
a veto over matters of policy pertaining to Abkhazia, the
free development of the Abkhaz language, ethnicity, and
culture, and a free economic zone in Gali and Ochamchira. We
encourage the two sides to engage in a direct dialogue on
these and other issues that could lead to a political
resolution of the conflict.

-- We also strongly encourage both sides to implement without
delay confidence building measures that would help establish
an atmosphere of greater trust and understanding, which in
turn could help lead to the resumption of political dialogue.

-- We have voiced our regret already that the Russian side
has chosen to withdraw unilaterally from the 1996 decision by
CIS Heads of State to impose economic and military sanctions
on Abkhazia. We believe this will only set back the peace
process and raise new concerns about military transparency in
the region. We are encouraged that other CIS members have
reaffirmed their commitment to upholding these sanctions.

-- In this connection we must note that despite some public
speculation to the contrary, the return of internally
displaced persons to Abkhazia has remained frozen, with over
200,000 internally displaced persons from Abkhazia alone
still unable to return to their homes.

-- We hope that through more intensive consultations among
the Friends we can encourage the sides to convene thematic
working groups to discuss the issues where common ground may
exist, including the implementation of confidence building
measures that could potentially breathe new life into the
peace process. While the sides must assume all
responsibility for the deadlock in negotiations, there is
hope that with greater focus and encouragement, the
international community can help bring about the resumption
of a much needed dialogue.

End points.
RICE