Annan Calls to Discuss Abkhazia’s Political Status
(Tbilisi, July 26, 2003, Civil Georgia) – United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan in a report to the UN Security Council laments that the core political issue to the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict has not yet been addressed despite the opportunities provided by interested parties.
“While the parties moved ahead on economic cooperation and refugee return, little notable progress was made on political and security matters, including the future status of Abkhazia within the State of Georgia, and the quest!
ion of security guarantees,” Annan states in his latest report on the situation in Abkhazia.
In the report, which also discusses the activities of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) since last April, Annan appeals to both sides to address the political aspects of the conflict.
“I continue to believe that UNOMIG plays an essential role in stabilizing the situation in the conflict zone and in providing a framework within which the sides can advance towards a comprehensive settlement,” the UN Secretary General stresses, recommending a six-month extension of the Mission until 31 January 2004.
