Correspondet of “Res” agency asked First Deputy Chairman of the RSO Government, Co-chairman for the South Ossetian side of the JCC, Mr. Boris Chochiev to comment on the EU delegation visit to South Ossetia:
“Mr. Somnebi, the EU Resident Representative in South Caucasus, was interested to hear the South Ossetian position on the negotiation process, particularly on further development of the negotiation process. The South Ossetian side informed Peter Somnebi about the negotiation process and noted that prior to talking about further steps, the Georgian side should give guarantees against attacks and use of force in respect of South Ossetia. On the background of the statements that we currently hear from the Georgian authorities, it is hard to talk about further ways of peaceful resolution”, - noted Mr. Chochiev.
The EU Special Representative in South Caucasus Peter Somnebi answered the questions of the representatives of the South Ossetian mass media were also answered by, the:
Question: What is the purpose of your visit?
Answer: The purpose of my visit is to discuss with the leadership of South Ossetia issues of current importance. Our discussions were first of all on establishing trust between the sides in the framework of the Joint Control Commission.
Question: President of Georgia Michael Saakashvili declared that the Georgian army is increasing by two thousand people and their location will be close to the conflict zone. How would you comment this statement?
Answer: I do not want to comment on statements of the President of Georgia.
Question: How would you comment statement of the State Minister on conflict resolutions, according to which the peacekeeping operation in South Ossetia does not promote peaceful conflict resolution and should be reviewed? Do you think these statements are aimed at conflict resolution?
Answer: In my opinion that is a legitimate issue for discussions. The current situation is different from what it was 15 years ago. The most important is to have rational and calm discussions. The peacekeeping forces are here for time being not forever but to change the format it is necessary to assure trust between the sides and consider interests of all the sides.
Question: What do you think about the referendum that is going to be carried out in South Ossetia?
Answer: You know that the EU did don recognize the referendum in Pridnestrovie, I believe in this case the EU will make a statement that will not differ very much from the one on Pridnestrovie.
