Concluding statement on the results of the second meeting of the Georgian and Abkhaz sides, Geneva, 23-25 July 1998.

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Country/entity: Georgia
Abkhazia
Region: Europe and Eurasia
Agreement name: Concluding statement on the results of the second meeting of the Georgian and Abkhaz sides, Geneva, 23-25 July 1998.
Date: 25 Jul 1998
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Georgian Separatist Conflicts (1989 - )
The Abkhazia-Georgia Conflict (1992 - )
Much like other conflicts that sprung up in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Abkhazia conflict emerged as an ethnic conflict following heighten nationalist awareness among Abkhaz and other minorities residing in the region. In 1978, protests against the Georgianization of Abkhazia emerged from Abkhaz intellectuals. Towards the end of the 1980s, both Georgian and Abkhaz nationalists demanded independence from the Soviet Union. Tensions began following clashes at Sukhumi University between pro-Unity protestors and Abkhaz nationalists in April-July 1989. However, the conflict remained a legal conflict up until August 1992 following the 1991 elections, wherein Abkhazians felt they were under-represented. War broke out between Abkhaz separatists, supported by Russian forces and hired fighters from the North Caucus. Within Abkhazia, Abkhaz separatists were generally supported by ethnically Armenian and Russian residents. Within Georgia the conflict was exacerbated following conflict in South Ossetia from 1989 onwards in addition to political strife between the supporters of the ousted president, Zviad Gamsakurdia, and the post-coup government led by Eduard Shevardnadze.

Significant human rights abuses occurred, particularly after the capture of Sukhumi in September 1993, after which Georgian residents, which consisted of 45 per cent of the population in 1989, were faced with mass expulsion and ethnic cleansing. Russian Peacekeepers acting under the umbrella of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), were deployed on the Abkhazia-Georgia line following a ceasefire in 1994. Atrocities towards ethnic Georgian’s continued with over 1,500 deaths post-conflict. In 1998 fighting re-erupted following a flare up of fighting in South Ossetia. Again it was resolved with a ceasefire agreement. However, as of 2016 the conflict remains unresolved.

The Russio-Georgian War (South Ossetia) (1989 - )
Following heightened nationalist awareness among Ossetians and policies undertaken at the expense of ethnic minorities by the Georgian government led by President Gamsakurdia, calls for Ossetian Independence increased. After clashes broke out in Tskhinvali during a pro-Georgia protest, the conflict began to militarize. When President Gamsakurdia maintained his position after elections in 1990, which were boycotted by South Ossetia, Ossetians organised elections for their own parliament. The central Georgian government reacted by abolishing the autonomous status previously held by South Ossetia. The formation of ethnic militias and increased attacks on civilians escalated on both sides and in December 1990 a state of emergency and an economic blockade were declared. Fighting was haphazard as fighters on both sides were poorly equipped and disciplined. The Georgian National Guard was primarily formed of volunteers due to a lack of resources and as a result fighters often acted out of self-interest. Assaults on Tskhinvali by Georgian forces were repulsed on several occasions, and Georgian forces were also noted to expel Ossetian residents and destroy villages out of revenge and as a means to re-claim territory.

The Sochi agreement (1992) established a ceasefire and security corridor, as well as divided the territory between Georgian and Ossetian administration. Relations deteriorated drastically in April 2008, and following shelling of Georgian villages on August 1, the Georgian military responded in force retaking most of Tskhinvali by August 7. Russian forces intervened on behalf of Ossetian separatists and after retaking Tskihvali, opened another front in the Kordori Gorge. A ceasefire was brokered on August 12, and the Kremlin declared its recognition of the territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia on August 26. Russian forces have since strengthened their military presence in those regions in violation of the ceasefire.
Stage: Pre-negotiation/process
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Abkhazia peace process
Parties: Georgia, Abkhazia
Third parties: UN (Chair), UNDP, UNHCR, UNDP, Russian Federation (Facilitator), OSCE, Group of Friends of the UNSG (France, Germany, Russian Federation, UK, US) as observers
Description: Welcomed implementation of 1997 Geneva agreement but noted several provisions had not been implemented. Expressed concern that parties were far from agreement on key issues and stressed importance of bilateral contacts and direct dialogue as well as need for immediate implementation of the Coordination Council decision. Reaffirmed determination to put an end to conflict and agreement to refrain from hostile propaganda. Expressed commitment to rights of refugees/displaced persons, and to freedom of movement and security of humanitarian aid workers, and supported strengthened UN involvement. Annexes outlined position of both sides on violence in the Gali district and on the return of refugees.

Agreement document: GE_970625_Concluding Statement on the results of the second meeting in Geneva.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Rhetorical
Page 1, [Summary] Discussed as an agenda item.

Page 3, 11. The parties again reaffirmed their previous commitment regarding the right of refugees and displaced persons to voluntary return to the places of their former permanent residence.
They held a comprehensive discussion of the practical issues linked to the return of the refugees and decided to continue work on these questions. (The position of the sides are annexed.)
Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Substantive
Page 3, ANNEX: Positions of the sides on paraqraph 8
The position of the Georqian side
The Georgian side condemns the hostilities and acts of violence which took place in the Gali district in May 1998, as a result of which, as is noted in the report of the United Nations Secretary-General (5/1998/647), approximately 40,000 people from the Gali district had to seek refuge for the second time on the other side of the Inguri River, and the international community had to witness how its assistance and efforts went up in flames, when houses that had been constructed at a cost of more than $2 million out of UNHCR funds were deliberately set on fire in order to expel people from their home areas.

Page 3, ANNEX: Positions of the sides on paraqraph 8
... The position of the Abkhaz side
As a result of the armed conflict provoked by the Georgian side in May 1998 in the Gali district of Abkhazia, and also of the continuing illegal actions of the "White Legion" and "Forest Brothers" terrorist and subversive groups, and of the continued laying of mines and other acts of violence, causing casualties first and foremost among the Abkhaz militia and the peacekeeping force, and also among local inhabitants, refugees and displaced persons, UNOMIG personnel and other international personnel working in Abkhazia, the situation in the region has deteriorated and is a cause for serious concern.

Page 4, ANNEX: Positions of the sides on paraqraph 11
The position of the Georqian side
The Georgian side believes that certain conditions are necessary for the implementation of the process of the speedy return of the refugees and displaced persons. To this end it proposed the establishment of a working group with the participation of representatives of the sides, the United Nations, the Russian Federation, and the member States of the group of Friends of the Secretary General to formulate and implement a plan for the voluntary and safe return, with dignity, of the refugees and displaced persons, first and foremost to the Gali district (within the old borders).
At the same time, measures for international guarantees of the continuity of the process of the return of refugees and displaced persons and for ensuring their safety in the places of their return should be formulated and implemented.
In immediate and direct linkage with the process of the stable and organized return of the refugees and displaced persons, first and foremost to the Gali district (within the old borders), measures for the economic rehabilitation of the region and the normalization of the border and customs regimes should be implemented.
At the same time, measures should be undertaken to invite international organizations and donor countries to allocate resources for the process of the return of the refugees and displaced persons and f or the restoration of the economy of Abkhazia, as recommended by the United Nations Needs Assessment Mission.
The Georgian side stressed that the real return of refugees and displaced persons is possible only on condition of the precise determination of the territory and time-frame for their return, concrete measures guaranteeing the security of the returnees and the continuity of this process, and also
mechanisms for its implementation.
The refusal of the Abkhaz side to accept those necessary conditions points to the purely declarative nature of its statements concerning agreement to the return of the refugees and displaced persons.

The position of the Abkhaz side
When the process of the organized return of the refugees to the Gali district begins, measures shall be taken to lift the restrictions established by the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of 19 December 1994 and by the decision of the Heads of State of CIS of 19 January 1996. In this connection, the Abkhaz side believes that there is a need for the speedy signing of the draft agreement on peace and guarantees f or the prevention of armed confrontation and protocol on the return of refugees to the Gali district and measures for economic rehabilitation prepared during the June Georgian-Abkhaz consultations.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: Page 4, ANNEX: Positions of the sides on paraqraph 11
The position of the Georqian side
... In immediate and direct linkage with the process of the stable and organized return of the refugees and displaced persons, first and foremost to the Gali district (within the old borders), measures for the economic rehabilitation of the region and the normalization of the border and customs regimes should be implemented.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: Page 3, ANNEX: Positions of the sides on paraqraph 8
The position of the Georqian side
... The Georgian side believes that these actions are a manifestation of a new wave of ethnic cleansing directed at the Georgian population of Abkhazia.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Other
Page 3, 11. The parties again reaffirmed their previous commitment regarding the right of refugees and displaced persons to voluntary return to the places of their former permanent residence.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media roles
Page 2, 10. The parties again reaffirmed their agreement to refrain from hostile propaganda towards each other and to take measures to promote the establishment of an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding. The participants at the meeting gratefully acknowledged the invitation of the Government of Greece to hold a special meeting of the parties this year in Athens to elaborate measures to strengthen mutual trust and understanding as envisaged in the Protocol of the third session of the Coordination Council.
Mobility/access: Page 3, 12. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the freedom of movement and security of humanitarian aid workers so that they can gain access to those in need and provide assistance to them.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Socio-economic development
Page 1, [Summary] Reconstruction mentioned as part of the Agenda

Page 3, ANNEX: Positions of the sides on paraqraph 8
The position of the Georqian side
The Georgian side condemns the hostilities and acts of violence which took place in the Gali district in May 1998, as a result of which, as is noted in the report of the United Nations Secretary-General (5/1998/647), approximately 40,000 people from the Gali district had to seek refuge for the second time on the other side of the Inguri River, and the international community had to witness how its assistance and efforts went up in flames, when houses that had been constructed at a cost of more than $2 million out of UNHCR funds were deliberately set on fire in order to expel people from their home areas.

Page 4, ANNEX: Positions of the sides on paraqraph 11
The position of the Georqian side
... In immediate and direct linkage with the process of the stable and organized return of the refugees and displaced persons, first and foremost to the Gali district (within the old borders), measures for the economic rehabilitation of the region and the normalization of the border and customs regimes should be implemented.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: Page 4, ANNEX: Positions of the sides on paraqraph 11
The position of the Georqian side
... At the same time, measures should be undertaken to invite international organizations and donor countries to allocate resources for the process of the return of the refugees and displaced persons and for the restoration of the economy of Abkhazia, as recommended by the United Nations Needs Assessment Mission.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: Socio-economic reconstruction→Taxation→Reform of taxation
Page 4, ANNEX: Positions of the sides on paraqraph 11
The position of the Georqian side
... In immediate and direct linkage with the process of the stable and organized return of the refugees and displaced persons, first and foremost to the Gali district (within the old borders), measures for the economic rehabilitation of the region and the normalization of the border and customs regimes should be implemented.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: Page 2, 8. The participants at the meeting are seriously concerned about the situation with regard to security in the conflict zone, which has recently sharply deteriorated. The parties gave their assessments of the events which have taken place in the security zone, and exchanged views on ways of resolving the existing situation. Consultations on these issues will be continued. (The positions of the sides are annexed.)
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
Page 1, [Summary] Ceasefire mentioned as part of agenda.

Page 2, ... 7. The parties reaffirmed their adherence to the Tbilisi Declaration of 14 August 1997, in particular:
• the commitment not to resort to the use of force to resolve the problems dividing them and not under any circumstances to permit a renewal of bloodshed. Any differences will be resolved exclusively by peaceful and political means, through negotiations and consultations.

Page 2, ... 9. The parties stressed the need far the immediate implementation of the decision taken by the Coordination Council to elaborate a mechanism in which the representatives of the sides, the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) and/or the Collective Peacekeeping Forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States ("the CIS peacekeeping force") might participate far the investigation and prevention of violations of the Moscow Agreement on a Ceasefire and Separation of Forces of 14 May 1994 and of subversive terrorist acts carried aut in the conflict zone.

Page 4, ANNEX: Positions of the sides on paraqraph 11
The position of the Abkhaz side
When the process of the organized return of the refugees to the Gali district begins, measures shall be taken to lift the restrictions established by the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of 19 December 1994 and by the decision of the Heads of State of CIS of 19 January 1996. In this connection, the Abkhaz side believes that there is a need for the speedy signing of the draft agreement on peace and guarantees f or the prevention of armed confrontation and protocol on the return of refugees to the Gali district and measures for economic rehabilitation prepared during the June Georgian-Abkhaz consultations.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: Page 2, 9. The parties stressed the need far the immediate implementation of the decision taken by the Coordination Council to elaborate a mechanism in which the representatives of the sides, the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) and/or the Collective Peacekeeping Forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States ("the CIS peacekeeping force") might participate far the investigation and prevention of violations of the Moscow Agreement on a Ceasefire and Separation of Forces of 14 May 1994 and of subversive terrorist acts carried aut in the conflict zone.

Page 3, ANNEX: Positions of the sides on paraqraph 8
... The position of the Abkhaz side
As a result of the armed conflict provoked by the Georgian side in May 1998 in the Gali district of Abkhazia, and also of the continuing illegal actions of the "White Legion" and "Forest Brothers" terrorist and subversive groups, and of the continued laying of mines and other acts of violence, causing casualties first and foremost among the Abkhaz militia and the peacekeeping force, and also among local inhabitants, refugees and displaced persons, UNOMIG personnel and other international personnel working in Abkhazia, the situation in the region has deteriorated and is a cause for serious concern.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: Page 2, ... 7. The parties reaffirmed their adherence to the Tbilisi Declaration of 14 August 1997, in particular:
... • the conviction that the time has come to embark on a policy of peace and well-being and to act jointly with dignity and mutual tolerance in a spirit of compromise and reconciliation;

Implementation

UN signatory: UN (Chair), UNDP, UNHCR, UNDP (Facilitator); 3. Parties renewed support for more involvement of the UN in the peacekeeping process.
Other international signatory: with the participation of representatives of the Russian Federation, in its capacity as facilitator, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the States belonging to the group of Friends of the Secretary-General, namely France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as observers
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: Page 1, ... 3. The participants at the meeting renewed their support for the proposals of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to strengthen the involvement of the United Nations in the peacekeeping process aimed at achieving a comprehensive political settlement. They recognize that the process begun on the initiative of the Secretary-General is continuing and should be stepped up.

Page 2, ... 9. The parties stressed the need far the immediate implementation of the decision taken by the Coordination Council to elaborate a mechanism in which the representatives of the sides, the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) and/or the Collective Peacekeeping Forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States ("the CIS peacekeeping force") might participate far the investigation and prevention of violations of the Moscow Agreement on a Ceasefire and Separation of Forces of 14 May 1994 and of subversive terrorist acts carried aut in the conflict zone.

Page 3, ... 13. The participants at the meeting noted the importance of coordination of the activities of UNOMIG and the CIS peacekeeping force for the stabilization of the situation in the conflict zone and for the prevention of armed conflicts.

Page 3, ANNEX: Positions of the sides on paraqraph 8
... The position of the Abkhaz side
As a result of the armed conflict provoked by the Georgian side in May 1998 in the Gali district of Abkhazia, and also of the continuing illegal actions of the "White Legion" and "Forest Brothers" terrorist and subversive groups, and of the continued laying of mines and other acts of violence, causing casualties first and foremost among the Abkhaz militia and the peacekeeping force, and also among local inhabitants, refugees and displaced persons, UNOMIG personnel and other international personnel working in Abkhazia, the situation in the region has deteriorated and is a cause for serious concern.
Enforcement mechanism: Page 2, ... 9. The parties stressed the need far the immediate implementation of the decision taken by the Coordination Council to elaborate a mechanism in which the representatives of the sides, the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) and/or the Collective Peacekeeping Forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States ("the CIS peacekeeping force") might participate far the investigation and prevention of violations of the Moscow Agreement on a Ceasefire and Separation of Forces of 14 May 1994 and of subversive terrorist acts carried aut in the conflict zone.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: on file with author

Concluding statement on the results of the second meeting

of the Georqian and Abkhaz sides, held at Geneva from

23 to 25 July 1998

1. From 23 to 25 July 1998 the second meeting of the Georgian and Abkhaz

sides took place in Geneva under the auspices of the United Nations, with the

participation of representatives of the Russian Federation, in its capacity as

facilitator, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and

the States belonging to the group of Friends of the Secretary-General, namely

France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United

States of America, as observers.

Representatives of the United Nations

Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner

for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian

Affairs (OCHA), also participated in the parts of the discussion relating to

their work.

2. During the meeting an exchange of views took place on the foll owing agenda

items:

• Review of the state of the negotiations on the main aspects of a

comprehensive settlement of the conflict and identif i c a t ion of a reas

where concrete political progress could be made;

• Elaboration of effective mechanisms for preserving the ceasefire regime

and concrete guarantees of the non-resumption of hostilities;

• Problems of the return of refugees and displaced persons;

• Efforts in the economic, humanitarian and social areas .

3. The participants at the meeting renewed their support for the proposals of

the Secretary-General of the United Nations to strengthen the i nvolvement of the

United Nations in the peacekeeping process aimed at achieving a comprehensive

political settlement.

They recognize that the process begun on the initiative of

the Secretary-General is continuing and should be stepped up.

4. The parties welcomed the beginning of the implementation of the programme

of action and the work of the machinery on which agreement had been reached at

the previous meeting in Geneva, including the establishment of the Coordination

Council and the three working groups within its framework.

At its meeting on 18

December 1997, the Coordination Council adopted the statute for its operation.

At the same time it was noted that the machinery established in Geneva has not

yet been fully activated.

Several key provisions of the concluding statement

adopted in Geneva and of decisions of the Coordination Council have still not

been implemented.

The parties indicated the need for the full implementation of

prior decisions.

5. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations

for Georgia, the representatives of the Russian Federation, as facilitator,

OSCE, and the member States of the group of Friends of the Secretary-General

expressed concern that despite energetic efforts to intensify the peace process,

the parties are still far from agreement on key aspects of a settlement.

They

stressed that the major responsibility far resolution of the problems between

the parties lies with the parties ta the conflict themselves They called upon

the parties to the conflict to refrain from any action which might undermine the

efforts which are being undertaken, to do everything possible to support the

peace process, and to demonstrate the necessary political will so that concrete

results can be achieved on fundamental issues.

6. The participants stressed the importance of bilateral contacts and direct

dialogue between the parties at various levels and in various spheres, including

the work of the Bilateral Joint Coordination Commission on Practical Issues,

which are an integral part of the peace process and must be supported.

The

Special Representative of the Secretary-General far Georgia, the Russian

Federation, OSCE and the group of Friends of the Secretary-General reaffirmed

that they will continue to render all possible assistance to the parties in

achieving mutually acceptable agreements.

7. The parties reaffirmed their adherence to the Tbilisi Declaration of

14 August 1997, in particular:

• the determination to put an end to the conflict which has divided them

and to restore peaceful relations and mutual respect;

• the conviction that the time has come to embark on a policy of peace

and well-being and to act jointly with dignity and mutual tolerance in

a spirit of compromise and reconciliation;

• the commitment not to resort to the use of force to resolve the

problems dividing them and not under any circumstances to permit a

renewal of bloodshed.

Any differences will be resolved exclusively by

peaceful and political means, through negotiations and consultations.

8. The participants at the meeting are seriously concerned about the

situation with regard to security in the conflict zone, which has recently

sharply deteriorated.

The parties gave their assessments of the events which

have taken place in the security zone, and exchanged views on ways of resolving

the existing situation.

Consultations on these issues will be continued. (

The

positions of the sides are annexed.)

9. The parties stressed the need far the immediate implementation of the

decision taken by the Coordination Council to elaborate a mechanism in which the

representatives of the sides, the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia

(UNOMIG) and/or the Collective Peacekeeping Forces of the Commonwealth of

Independent States ("the CIS peacekeeping force") might participate far the

investigation and prevention of violations of the Moscow Agreement on a

Ceasefire and Separation of Forces of 14 May 1994 and of subversive terrorist

acts carried aut in the conflict zone.

10. The parties again reaffirmed their agreement to refrain from hostile

propaganda towards each other and to take measures to promote the establishment

of an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding.

The participants at the

meeting gratefully acknowledged the invitation of the Government of Greece to

hold a special meeting of the parties this year in Athens to elaborate measures

to strengthen mutual trust and understanding as envisaged in the Protocol of the

third session of the Coordination Council.

Qı

11. The parties again reaffirmed their previous commitment regarding the right

of refugees and displaced persons to voluntary return to the places of their

former permanent residence.

They held a comprehensive discussion of the practical issues linked to the

return of the refugees and decided to continue work on these questions. (

The

position of the sides are annexed.)

12. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the freedom of

movement and security of humanitarian aid workers so that they can gain access

to those in need and provide assistance to them.

13. The participants at the meeting noted the importance of coordination of

the activities of UNOMIG and the CIS peacekeeping force for the stabilization of

the situation in the conflict zone and for the prevention of armed conflicts.

Positions of the sides on paraqraph 8

The position of the Georqian side

The Georgian side condemns the hostilities and acts of violence which took place

in the Gali district in May 1998, as a result of which, as is noted in the

report of the United Nations Secretary-General (5/1998/647), approximately

40,000 people from the Gali district had to seek refuge for the second time on

the other side of the Inguri River, and the international community had to

witness how its assistance and efforts went up in flames, when houses that had

been constructed at a cost of more than $2 million out of UNHCR funds were

deliberately set on fire in order to expel people from their home areas.

The Georgian side believes that these actions are a manifestation of a new wave

of ethnic cleansing directed at the Georgian population of Abkhazia.

It notes with regret that the situation in the Gali district today still remains

unstable and tense.

The position of the Abkhaz side

As a result of the armed conflict provoked by the Georgian side in May 1998 in

the Gali district of Abkhazia, and also of the continuing illegal actions of the

"White Legion" and "Forest Brothers" terrorist and subversive groups, and of the

continued laying of mines and other acts of violence, causing casualties first

and foremost among the Abkhaz militia and the peacekeeping force, and also among

local inhabitants, refugees and displaced persons, UNOMIG personnel and other

international personnel working in Abkhazia, the situation in the region has

deteriorated and is a cause for serious concern.

Positions of the sides on paraqraph 11

(

The position of the Georqian side

The Georgian side believes that certain conditions are necessary for the

implementation of the process of the speedy return of the refugees and displaced

persons.

To this end it proposed the establishment of a working group with the

participation of representatives of the sides, the United Nations, the Russian

Federation, and the member States of the group of Friends of the Secretary

General to formulate and implement a plan for the voluntary and safe return,

with dignity, of the refugees and displaced persons, first and foremost to the

Gali district (within the old borders).

At the same time, measures for international guarantees of the continuity of the

process of the return of refugees and displaced persons and for ensuring their

safety in the places of their return should be formulated and implemented.

In immediate and direct linkage with the process of the stable and organized

return of the refugees and displaced persons, first and foremost to the Gali

district (within the old borders), measures for the economic rehabilitation of

the region and the normalization of the border and customs regimes should be

implemented.

At the same time, measures should be undertaken to invite international

organizations and donor countries to allocate resources for the process of the

return of the refugees and displaced persons and f or the restoration of the

economy of Abkhazia, as recommended by the United Nations Needs Assessment

Mission.

The Georgian side stressed that the real return of refugees and displaced

persons is possible only on condition of the precise determination of the

territory and time-frame for their return, concrete measures guaranteeing the

security of the returnees and the continuity of this process, and also

mechanisms for its implementation.

The refusal of the Abkhaz side to accept those necessary conditions points to

the purely declarative nature of its statements concerning agreement to the

return of the refugees and displaced persons.

The position of the Abkhaz side

When the process of the organized return of the refugees to the Gali district

begins, measures shall be taken to lift the restrictions established by the

decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of 19 December 1994 and by

the decision of the Heads of State of CIS of 19 January 1996.

In this

connection, the Abkhaz side believes that there is a need for the speedy signing

of the draf t agreement on peace and guarantees f or the prevention of armed

confrontation and protocol on the return of refugees to the Gali district and

measures for economic rehabilitation prepared during the June Georgian-Abkhaz

consultations.

Appendix

Statement on behalf of the qroup of Friends

of the Secretary-General