EU’s War Inquiry Mission Visits Tskhinvali

EU-funded mission that probes into the August war met with breakaway South Ossetia’s leader, Eduard Kokoity, in Tskhinvali on March 6, the South Ossetian Press and Information Committee reported.

“We are ready for cooperation and transparent relations, which could promote strengthening of peace and stability in the region, as well as prevention of tragedy similar to the one that happened in August,” Kokoity said.

According to the same report, Kokoity criticized at the meeting observers from the European Union European monitoring situation in the areas adjacent to the breakaway regions.

“We think that the activities of European monitors are extremely weak. Presently, there are 35 armed Georgian posts in the zone of responsibility of European observers, as well as 2500 armed troops… that is  serious violation of the Medvedev-Sarkozy ceasefire agreements,” Kokoity said, adding that EU monitors were not even “trying to influence on Georgia” to fulfill commitments under the ceasefire accords.

Before visiting Tskhinvali, the war inquiry mission visited breakaway Abkhazia.  
 
The mission, led by Swiss diplomat, Heidi Tagliavini, is expected to present its report to EU, OSCE, Georgia and Russia on July 31, 2009; but the mission could be extended beyond that deadline if necessary.

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