Tbilisi Says JCC Session Depends on Missile Probe

Whether or not a session of the quadripartite Joint Control Commission on South Ossetia takes place will ?largely depend? on the results of a probe into the August 6 air strike on Georgia, the State Ministry for Conflict Resolution Issues said.

?If Russia?s involving in the [attack] is confirmed, the legality of Russia?s role as the major mediator and facilitator of the conflict resolution process will be seriously undermined,? the statement issued on August 9 reads.

It also said that ?the possibility of further cooperation with Russia in the framework of the existing negotiating formats without major modifications? would be unlikely if Moscow?s involvement in the August 6 incident were confirmed.

Georgia claims a Russian attack aircraft, an SU-24, violated Georgia?s airspace on August 6 and dropped a guided air-to-surface missile near breakaway South Ossetia. Tbilisi has demanded an international investigation into the incident.

Authorities in breakaway South Ossetia said on August 8 they were ready to participate in the JCC session in Tbilisi in September if there were appropriate security guarantees.

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