Reports: Moscow Mulls Confederation Proposal for Abkhazia, S.Ossetia
Moscow is developing a plan for South Ossetia and Abkhazia conflict resolution based on a principle of a ?united state? in the form of a confederation uniting Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the Russian daily Kommersant reported on December 12.
Initial discussions of this plan are expected by the end of this week when South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity visits Moscow, according to the paper.
No official comment has been made so far by the Russian authorities about the alleged report.
?According to this plan, Abkhazia and South Ossetia will formally be part of Georgia, but will actually represent independent entities,? according to the Kommersant.
Several times in previous years Tbilisi has rejected the idea of a confederation wherein part of this confederation has the right to unilaterally cease its membership in the ?common state.?
The Russian daily argues that this plan will become more realistic after the definition of Kosovo’s status, based on the draft UN plan which has reportedly already been developed, which envisages giving sweeping power to international overseers in Kosovo rather than full independence.
Russia has recently been arguing that Kosovo?s solution should be universally applicable to other seperatist conflicts as well.
The Kommersant says that it will be easier for Russia to gain western approval for its new plan for South Ossetia and Abkhazia if Moscow shows ?more understanding? and support for the draft UN plan for Kosovo.
