JCC Agrees on Demilitarization Measures

The quadripartite Joint Control Commission (JCC), involving representatives from Georgian, South Ossetia, Russian and Russia?s North Ossetian sides, signed a protocol on March 17 envisaging measures aimed at demilitarization of the South Ossetian conflict zone.

After a two-day session of the JCC, which was held in Moscow, Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues Goga Khaindrava said at a news conference on March 17 that the sides have agreed to carry out the dismantling process of military fortifications in the conflict zone. He also said that the process of removing of these fortifications was halted in the winter period because of ?difficult climate conditions.?

Goga Khaindrava said that the withdrawal of unauthorized troops from the conflict zone should become the next step of demilitarization. He said that both the Georgian and South Ossetian sides will locate these troops in one particular location, which should become accessible for joint ? Russian, Georgian, Ossetian ? peacekeeping troop stationed in the conflict zone, as well as for OSCE observers carrying out regular monitoring there.

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