UNOMIG Concerned with Security Situation in Gali

The UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) said on November 7 that it is concerned with ?the deteriorating security and human rights situation? in the Abkhaz conflict zone, ?which could lead to an escalation of tension on the ground.?

The UNOMIG statement mainly refers to the death of Daniel Tsurtsumia, an ethnic Georgian resident of Gali district in breakaway Abkhazia, who, according to the Georgian side, was beaten to the death by Abkhaz militiamen after he refused to serve in the Abkhaz army. The Abkhaz side denied these allegations and claimed that Tsurtsumia was a criminal suspect who died from injuries sustained after exchange fire with Abkhaz police.

?The Mission is following cases of concern, including the death on 4 November 2005 of Daniel Tsurtsumia, reportedly 39, a resident of Gagida village. UNOMIG has established contact on the matter with both sides and appeal to relevant bodies to render all necessary support in the conduct of an objective investigation. Furthermore, the Mission is suggesting to both sides to convene a high level meeting on security matters as soon as possible, in order to address the deteriorating situation,? the UNOMIG statement reads.

UNOMIG, which has observers in the conflict zone, also reiterated the necessity of setting up a UN/OSCE human rights office in the Gali district, as well as the deployment of UN police officers there. The Abkhaz side opposes both of these proposals.

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