National Security Council Against Partial Implementation of Sochi Agreement

(Tbilisi, May 17, 2003. Civil Georgia) – The Georgian National Security Council stated that incorrect interpretation of Shevardnadze-Putin Sochi agreement and its partial, “selective” implementation is unacceptable for Georgia.

The Georgian side is concerned with attempts to remove certain parts of the agreement, particularly those about restoration of the railway communication between Georgia and Russia, without full implementation of the agreement, concerning return of the IDPs to Abkhazia.

The NSC declared with full responsibility, that despite huge importance of restoration of the railway, this idea can not be implemented independently from other issues. The railway communication shall be restored in parallel to other processes of conflict resolution.

The statement, adopted by the NSC meeting on May 16, says that any unilateral action towards restoration of the railway without preliminary agreement with the Georgian side or before initiation of peaceful return of the IDPs, will be regarded by the Georgian side as illegal and directed against agreement of the two presidents.

In such cases the National Security Council reserves the right to demand explanations or make adequate steps.

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