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