Tbilisi Proposes JCC Session over South Ossetia

Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues Giorgi Khaindrava sent a letter to the co-chairman of the quadripartite Joint Control Commission (JCC) in which he expressed concern regarding ?deteriorating situation? in the conflict zone, involving abductions and offered to convene the JCC session in Tbilisi on September 2.

JCC involves representatives from the Georgian, South Ossetian, Russian and Russia?s North Ossetian Republic, which oversees peace process in the conflict zone.

11-year old boy Geno Petriashvili was kidnapped by unknown men from the village of Nuli, located in the Proni gorge, on August 19. ?The South Ossetian side has ignored information provided by the Georgian law enforcers about the possible whereabouts of the abducted child,? the Georgian State Minister?s statement reads, alleging that kidnapped child is on the territory which is under the control of authorities of the breakaway region.
  
Giorgi Khaindrava has criticized Russian peacekeepers for its passive role saying that they have ?lion?s share of responsibility in keeping peace and stability? in the region.

?It is impossible to allow disappearance of people and turning the conflict zone into safe haven for kidnappers and criminals,? Giorgi Khaindrava said.

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian)