Brussels, 21 February 2006
6582/06 (Presse 51)
P 030

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union
on recent developments in Georgia -South Ossetia

The European Union refers to the Resolution of the Georgian Parliament of 15 February 2006 on South Ossetia, the peace process and the performance of the peacekeeping force under Russian command.

The European Union reiterates its support for a peaceful resolution of the territorial conflicts in Georgia, based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders.

The European Union urges all parties concerned to refrain from unilateral action and to find a constructive approach in order to increase the effectiveness of peacekeeping in South Ossetia.

The European Union stresses the need for a constructive exchange of views between interested international actors in the region, including EU and OSCE Member States, on possible additional efforts contributing to peaceful settlement mechanisms in South Ossetia.

The European Union points to the need to increase the effectiveness of the negotiating mechanisms. The work of the Joint Control Commission (JCC) should be measured by the rapid implementation of all outstanding agreements previously reached and in particular by the start of demilitarisation.

The European Union deeply regrets the cancellation of the high-level JCC meeting as scheduled to take place in Vienna (20-21 February), and urges the parties to resume dialogue as soon as possible.

The European Union recalls its support for the initiatives taken towards peaceful resolution of the conflict and, following decisions made at the OSCE Ministerial Council in Ljubljana in December 2005, its belief that the Peace Plan built upon the initiatives of the President of Georgia presented at the 59th UNGA will serve as a basis for the peaceful settlement of the conflict.

The European Union reiterates that it stands ready to contribute actively, and in every relevant forum, to accelerating the process of demilitarisation and of conflict resolution overall, which has been stalled for too long.

The European Union underlines the value of the Georgian leadership's commitment to political and economic reforms, based on respect for democratic values, rule of law and human rights, including rights of ethnic minorities.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

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