GUIDANCE: UNSC SESSION CONCERNING RUSSIAN DOWNING

UNCLAS STATE 057994

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 a unmanned aerial
vehicle (UAV) over Georgian territory offers evidence of
Russia's unwillingness 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. Both
sides should reduce tensions.

-- 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 recognize Georgia for its continued restraint 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.

-- Russia's downing of the UAV was a clear violation of
Georgian sovereignty, 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