Russian MFA Comments on JCC Session over South Ossetia

In an information note issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 24 states that the recent session of the quadripartite Joint Control Commission (JCC) over the South Ossetian conflict, expressed concern regarding the ?dangerously explosive? situation in the conflict zone.

A session of the JCC, which involves representatives from the Georgian, South Ossetian, Russian and North Ossetian sides, was held in Tbilisi on December 22-23.  The Co-chairmen of the commission also held separate talks with Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoev on December 23 and December 24 respectively.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry?s information note the co-chairmen of the JCC addressed Zurab Zhvania and Eduard Kokoev ?to secure coordinated joint actions by the relative ministries and agencies, in order to follow the commitments undertaken by the conflicting sides.?

On November 5 the Georgian Prime Minister and the South Ossetian leader agreed on demilitarization of the conflict zone and a withdrawal of all non-peacekeeping troops from there.

But as the Russian Foreign Ministry states, ?demilitarization, withdrawal of the armed groups and dismantlement of the military fortifications have not taken place.?

?A number of police posts have been increased? delivery of humanitarian aid to the villages of the conflict zone is still hindered. The process of economic rehabilitation is also not moving ahead. This situation creates an atmosphere of distrust between the conflicting sides,? the Russian Foreign Ministry states.