Official: Russian Peacekeepers Failing to Perform Duties
Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues Giorgi Khaindrava said that the Russian peacekeeping troops stationed in the South Ossetian conflict zone are failing to contribute to peace and security in the conflict zone but also warned that all possible consequences of their withdrawal should be thoroughly considered.
“The peacekeepers stationed in the Tskhinvali region practically have no time [to improve the situation]… The issue of their presence in the conflict zone is questionable. Another issue is whether we should take into account all the possible consequences and act very rationally. However, our position is clear – the Russian peacekeepers are failing to fulfill their mandate,” Khaindrava told reporters on February 5.
This statement was made upon Khaindrava’s return from Geneva, where he participated in UN-sponsored Georgian-Abkhaz talks on February 2-3.
“As for the peacekeeping operation in Abkhazia, according to the Parliament’s resolution they still have time [to improve their performance] until summer,” Khaindrava added.
According to the Georgian Parliament’s resolution adopted on October 11, 2005, the government should report to the Parliament by February 10, 2006 about the peace process in the South Ossetian conflict zone and by July 1 – in Abkhazia. If the Parliament decides that no progress has been made, the lawmakers will demand that the peacekeepers begin withdrawing, starting from February 15, 2006 from South Ossetia and 15 July – from Abkhazia.
On February 7, Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli will brief the Parliament’s bureau on the peace process in the South Ossetian conflict zone. State Minister Giorgi Khaindrava is also expected to make a report.
