ICRC Maintains No Humanitarian Crisis in South Ossetia

UNCLAS MOSCOW 000323

DEPARTMENT FOR PRM/ECA

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF PGOV PHUM PINR ICRC RS GG
SUBJECT: ICRC Maintains No Humanitarian Crisis in South Ossetia


1. (SBU) Summary: In Moscow February 5, International Committee of
the Red Cross (ICRC) Russian Delegation officials stated that there
is no humanitarian emergency in South Ossetia, despite reports of
potential food shortages. Although there are some needs that
continue to demand attention, such as conditions in collective
centers and freedom of movement for the population residing near the
Georgian border, these experts maintain that the crisis in South
Ossetia is over. End Summary.

2. (U) In January Refcoord obtained two separate studies conducted
by United Nations local implementing partners operating out of the
Russian North Caucasus that examined the status of food security,
education, and health care in South Ossetia. The issue of food
security raised concerns of a potential humanitarian crisis in South
Ossetia. A study funded by the World Food Program (WFP) indicated
that due to the destruction of agricultural land, the rising cost of
food, and low levels of employment in the disputed territory, there
was a high likelihood of a food crisis during the winter and early
spring of 2009.

3. (U) ICRC Russia Country Delegate Francois Bellon addressed these
concerns in a meeting with us February 5. (Note: ICRC operates on
the ground in South Ossetia, and has succeeded in accessing the area
since the immediate aftermath of the August conflict. ICRC
representatives have traveled throughout the region since last
August, with Bellon's deputy Francois Blancy's most recent visit
taking place the week of January 23. End Note.) Bellon reported
that, although humanitarian problems persist, the region has moved
on from crisis mode, and life-saving measures are no longer needed.
Particularly in regard to food, the ICRC found that the prices and
selection were similar to markets in Russia's North Caucasus.
Indeed, South Ossetia's agricultural sector was not greatly
disturbed by the August events.

4. (SBU) ICRC is not planning to embark on development projects in
South Ossetia. Blancy described the disputed territory as "stones
among mountains," in reference to its historic underprivileged and
undeveloped status. Bellon referred to the works of Dutch artist
Pieter Brueghel, who specialized in landscapes populated by
peasants, in describing rural South Ossetia. The poor are still
poor; the quality of life has not been greatly affected by the
conflict. Planning for the region must take into consideration the
population's lifestyle. Highly technical assistance may be a greater
hindrance than help in the post-conflict recovery process.
Furthermore, resources that cannot be absorbed by the economy
encourage corrupt dealings and harmful misappropriation.

5. (SBU) On his January trip, Blancy visited Tskhinvali and
Khetagorovo, a small (population approximately 800),predominantly
ethnic-Ossetian village. He had previously visited the region in the
fall. He found that conditions were more difficult in the region due
to the winter and limited access to gas. However, he noted that the
supply of electricity to the town is stable. Water supply is now
relatively reliable in the capital, Tskhinvali. Schools and social
institutions are also functioning. The outlook at the eight
collective centers in the region is bleaker. There are approximately
600 IDPs in these shelters, though ICRC is working to improve
quality of life there by distributing clothes, performing
maintenance, and upgrading lavatories and kitchen facilities.

6. (SBU) Blancy and Bellon identified several remaining challenges:
care of people in the IDP centers; support for people residing in
villages destroyed in the August conflict; and assistance to people
living near the border with freedom of movement issues. The ICRC is
considering establishing an office in the Leningori region or else
sending a mobile team there regularly in order to assist residents
cut off from their normal personal and business contacts in
undisputed Georgian territory.

7. (SBU) ICRC has $5.8 million for its mission in South Ossetia,
which is its highest budget per capita in the world, and Bellon is
not fully confident that his team will be able to spend all of the
earmarked money. When approached in December by WFP Regional
Director Daly Belgasmi, who wanted to discuss the possibility of
shipping flour from Egypt to South Ossetia for relief, Bellon had
responded by directing the visiting official to return to Cairo
rather than provide aid not needed. Although Bellon said he would
welcome the presence of other international organizations in South
Ossetia -- particularly UNHCR to deal with protection issues, he
averred that the ICRC is able to fill existing gaps on its own.
Comment
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7. (SBU) Getting aid to South Ossetia via UN agencies and NGO
partners would present serious logistical and political challenges.
Were ICRC to identify emergent humanitarian needs, the international
community would face a dilemma that would test its commitment to
donorship. Fortunately the ICRC states with certainty that we are
not in that position.

BERYLE