Chief Negotiators Speak of Kokoity’s Proposals

At a joint news briefing in Tbilisi Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues Giorgi Khaindrava and Russian chief negotiator for South Ossetian conflict Valery Kenyaikin hailed the recent peace proposals made by South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity regarding resolution of the South Ossetian conflict.

“We found Eduard Kokoity’s statement on joint development of the peace plan very important. This was a very important initiative… It is obvious that acting alone is impossible … We are ready to solve all crucial issues and move from words towards the implementation of particular agreements,” Khaindrava said on December 13.

He noted that the talks between the South Ossetian leader and Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli might be the next step.

“I would like to officially state that the Georgian side is ready to work. We do not think it is expedient to postpone this issue for a month or two. I think we can start working [over a joint peace plan] right now,” the Georgian State Minister added.

The Russian chief negotiator said that “the entire political establishment” of breakaway South Ossetia supports Kokoity’s proposals.

Valery Kenyaikin said that practical activities can be launched as soon as the composition of a joint working group that will be involved in development of the joint peace plan is approved. 

Both Khaindrava and Kenyaikin stressed the necessity for urgent demilitarization of the conflict zone during the first stage.

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