M. E. Tkhostov head of the Joint Control Commission (JCC) on Georgian-Ossetian conflict settlement from North-Ossetian part answered IA “Res” question.
Question: Recently there were disclosed the President of the Republic of South Ossetia E. D. Kokoity’s proposals directed at the reanimation of the negotiation process which found understanding and positive response in Moscow. New Government in Georgia was formed after the presidential elections and regular foreign policy initiatives declared and finally the independence of Kosovo was declared yesterday. How can you, as a representative of one of the sides of JCC, comment the situation over South Ossetia in the light of the last events?
Answer: Notwithstanding the prolonged pause in the negotiation process we undoubtedly follow the course of events influential to the conflict settlement perspectives, if there is a question of post- and pre- election situation in Georgia or how the regional political elites swallow the precedent risks of already proclaimed Kosovo independence.
We are hoping for positive shift in the overall climate of Georgian-Russian relations and to the effect the possible change may contribute to the process of Georgian-Ossetian conflict settlement. In again specified by Georgian authorities “extended hand of friendship” to Russia we would like to see specific actions and particularly cessation of illicit criminal prosecution of two illegally detained peacekeepers from the JPKF North Ossetian battalion. This flagrant infraction of international agreements is lasting from the August of last year. Although after the five and half months of detention our servicemen were released on bail nonetheless the lawlessness towards them is still continue. This is an opportunity for Georgian side to express their goodwill not in words but in deeds.
We have got with interest the remarks of new Georgian Ministers concerning the perspective role of Russian Peacekeeping forces in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone. We are appreciating appeared progress in understanding, particularly the IA “Resonansy” utterance “the statements of necessity of withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers are not serious”. The Ossetian side more than once noted that the demands of “withdrawal” are not constructive and aimed at expelling the key factor of military-political stability in the conflict zone. We expect the Georgian side will perceive more correctly the role of Russian peacekeepers. Everybody is already aware the peacekeeping process needs new impetus, new initiatives. The creation of positive political background is essential to overcome the logjam. In this connection the initiative of possible meeting of Kokoity and Saakashvili is well-timed. Apropos of such perspective will take shape already existing dilemma: either constructive dialog with real South Ossetia, i.e. its constituted authorities or the policy of pressure and attempts to ignore these authorities and the Republic of South Ossetia under various excuses. And it is necessary to start dialog in this format as well- for it was said much last time of need to vary negotiation formats otherwise the sides will be draw in familiar rhetoric sort of “we will do without you”.
Generally speaking, the rhetoric of some “conditions” for progression in settlement is an obstacle for the normal dialog. Say, refusal from signing an agreement of non-use of force is argued by the excuse that “there is no progress in demilitarization” of South Ossetia. That is one hand increasing military resources while the other saw the air in the face of the opponents and international community with demands of changing the format, withdrawal of peacekeepers and “demilitarization” of South Ossetia. And this called “constructive approach” to settlement?! But the citizens of Tskhinval are people of sound mind and tried sense of insecurity. There is clear logic:
(a) there is armed sides of the conflict;
(b) to maintain peace in the zone of conflict it is necessary to refuse from warlike gesture and undertake measures directed at reducing of mutual risks and threats.
For the pressure and blackmailing of South Ossetia beginning from the autumn 2004 are the main reasons of freezing of present dialog. It’s time to create new climate of mutual relations. And it is unproductive to return to the policy of “ignoring” of really existing South Ossetia, to this naive project lasting two years. It is time for Tbilisi to thank the authors of project called “South Ossetia without South Ossetia” and say them “farewell”.
(c) and, finally it is necessary to enhance the overall political climate of irreversibility of peaceful settlement. For that, particularly, one must give up statements like “Russia is not care of Abkhazia and South Ossetia”, “you never be independent” and so on. Russia cares of South Ossetia – this guaranteed to that extent that North Ossetia is a part of Russia. And to that extent is guaranteed that the conflict in South Ossetia can not be seen as “internal matter of Georgia”. It is essential to understand that Russia has these and other national interests in Transcaucasia.
