OSCE Chairman Offers Mediation to Defuse ‘Spy’ Row Tensions

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht, said on October 1 he was in close contact with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, as well as with the Russian and Georgian Foreign Ministers to try to defuse tensions sparked after Georgia arrested four Russian officers charged with spying. 

“I appeal to all concerned parties to abide by the principles of international law, to abstain from provocations, to establish direct dialogue and to find a quick solution. I will remain in contact with all the relevant parties and work towards this end,” the Chairman-in-Office said.

Minister De Gucht also said he was ready to travel to the region at short notice if his presence could bring a breakthrough.

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