EU is ?deeply concerned? over Russian-Georgian tensions and recent developments in the South Ossetian conflict zone, a statement issued by the Finish Presidency on behalf of the European Union on July 20 reads.
In the statement EU on the one hand noted ?the need to increase the effectiveness of the negotiating and peacekeeping in South Ossetia and Abkhazia,? but on the other hand urged the parties involved ?to make full use of the existing negotiating mechanisms.?
?While emphasizing the need to increase the effectiveness of the negotiating and peacekeeping in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the European Union invites all parties to start dialogue on the basis of the existing mechanisms, in order to explore the possibilities for improvement,? the statement reads.
Georgian Parliament passed a resolution on July 18 instructing the government to launch procedures over withdrawal of the Russian peacekeeping troops from the conflict zones.
EU also said it is ?worried by the recent closure of the only recognized border crossing between Georgia and the Russian Federation.?
In the statement EU welcomed plans to send a UN fact-finding mission ?regarding the possible deployment of an international police force to Abkhazia as soon as possible.?
?The Union condemns violence in all its forms. It also reminds parties that detentions, violence and threatening of OSCE observers, diplomatic personnel and others performing agreed functions related to the peacekeeping operations and conflict resolution efforts are unacceptable,? EU said.
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