OSCE Concerned over Escalating Tension in Tskhinvali Region

OSCE Chairman-in-Office Solomon Passy said on August 13 that he was deeply concerned about the escalation of military confrontations in the South Ossetian conflict zone, and was particularly upset about the reports of deaths, casualties and firings on villages located in the conflict zone.

“Such acts have to be strongly condemned and more vigorous efforts need to be taken in order to stop the escalation of the conflict,” said Bulgarian Foreign Minister Passy.

The Chairman-in-Office regretted that despite repeated declarations by both sides of their readiness to settle differences in a peaceful way, the situation in the zone of conflict continues to deteriorate.

Minister Passy stressed the need for both sides to agree on effective measures to prevent the reoccurrence of violent clashes. He reiterated his previous calls for the immediate separation and withdrawal of all armed formations other than the peacekeeping forces from the conflict zone.

?In order to stimulate the political process I have already proposed to organize high-level political negotiations in Sofia. Now, I reiterate this invitation and want to stress that a long-lasting settlement of the conflict may only be achieved through serious dialogue involving high-level decision-makers,” Minister Passy said.