GUIDANCE: UNSC SESSION CONCERNING RUSSIAN DOWNING

UNCLAS STATE 057827 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNSC GE PBTS PREL RU SUBJECT: GUIDANCE: UNSC SESSION CONCERNING RUSSIAN DOWNING OF GEORGIAN UAV ¶1. (U) This is an action message. USUN is authorized to draw from the points in para 2 below during UNSC consultations on Georgia scheduled for May 30. ¶2. Begin points: -- UNOMIG's report on the downing of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over Georgian territory offers further troubling evidence of Russia's failure to respect Georgian territorial integrity and sovereignty. -- We call on Russia to reverse its recent provocative actions with respect to Abkhazia, which undermine the UN Friends peace process. A key first step would be for Russia to reduce its heightened military posture in Abkhazia. -- We also seek Russia's support for direct talks between Abkhaz and Georgian leaders to advance a new and promising peace initiative. -- We reiterate our strong support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. -- We applaud Georgia for its continued restraint in response to such provocations and welcome Tbilisi's effort to develop a peace plan in collaboration with Abkhaz authorities that will de-escalate military tension on both sides and pave the way for a political settlement. -- The defacto Abkhaz authorities should be encouraged to engage directly with Georgia on its peace proposals. IF NEEDED: RESPONSE TO COMMENTS THAT THE UNOMIG REPORT FOUND THAT UAV,S CONTRAVENE THE 1994 MOSCOW CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT: -- The 1994 Moscow Agreement is unclear on UAV flights. Nonetheless, Georgia,s efforts to obtain clarity and military transparency in Abkhazia are understandable given the significantly heightened military posture of current peacekeeping and Abkhaz forces. -- Furthermore, what is clear is that Russia's downing of the UAV was a clear violation of Georgian sovereignty, severely compromising its role as a neutral party in the conflict. -- We call on Moscow to play a constructive role in the peace process and to actively encourage Abkhaz participation in direct talks with Georgian authorities. End points. RICE