Greek Proposals on OSCE Georgia Mission Negotiated

Greek OSCE chairmanship has offered new set of proposals on continued OSCE presence in Georgia, which does not cross “red lines” of any parties involved, Dora Bakoyannis, the Foreign Minister of Greece, said after talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow on January 21.

Sergey Lavrov said at the joint news conference that these proposals were “directed towards realistic direction” and added that Russia was ready “to work in this direction.”

In December Russia has blocked extension of the 16-year-old OSCE mission’s mandate in Georgia. Russia wants a separate, independent OSCE mission in Tskhinvali. Moscow refuses to accept any linkage between the OSCE activities in South Ossetia and the rest of Georgia, because Moscow has recognized the independence of the breakaway region. Officials in Tbilisi say that continued OSCE presence in Georgia was very important, however, they say they are against of any solution that would make a reference to South Ossetia as an independent entity.

The Greek Foreign Minister said on January 21, that continued OSCE presence in the region was essential.

“The situation on the ground remains volatile. Incidents are happening on a frequent basis. I strongly believe that the current situation requires more and not less OSCE presence on both sides of the administrative boundary line,” she said.

Bakoyannis also said that she hoped her “fruitful meetings” with her Russian counterpart would “serve to create a sustainable platform for further dialogue” on the matter.

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