EUMM observers saw the spot at the outskirts of Tskhinval, where South Ossetian citizen Gennady Pliev was abducted from. As reported by Deputy Special Representative for Post-Conflict Settlement Merab Chigoev, the invitation of the EUMM representatives, who are responsible for monitoring of the situation in the areas adjacent to the border of South Ossetia, was an exclusion. “The EUMM observers had the opportunity to talk to the relatives and neighbors of Gena Pliev. They have received information on the time of crime and available evidences and details”, said Chigoev.
“Through the primary investigation it has been learnt that in 400-500 meters from the state border traces of fighting and brownish blood-like spots, boots’ track leading to the state border with Georgia in the direction of the village of Nikozi. Based on this, we could assume that representatives of Georgian special services crossed the state border with South Ossetia, proceeded deeper into the territory of South Ossetia as far as 400-500 meters and had seized Pliev right there”, noted Chigoev. “Together with our related structures, including the Human Rights Commissioner of South Ossetia, we have visited the spot and saw the location. We have pointed to the traces and evidences of the committed crime, namely, the brownish blood-like spots, left after the abduction of Pliev” reported Chigoev. According to him, the EUMM representatives promised to scrutinize the facts. “They stated that they need double-check on the Georgian side, talk to the staff on duty at the check-point in the village of Upport Nikozi. In few days, as they promised, they will make the conclusions on this incident and these conclusions will be submitted to the South Ossetian side in a written report”, said Chigoev. He also expressed hope that the EUMM observers would be unbiased in their conclusions. “We hope that the truth will be found. In any case, we are absolutely sure that Gennady Pliev did no voluntary cross the border, he was abducted. Corresponding evidences of the crime found on the spot prove this. He hope that thorough examination carried out by the EUMM observers will clarify the whole picture. And Pliev, who had not committed any crime, will be returned to his family,” said Chigoev. He had also disclaimed the statements of the Georgian side broadcast by TV channels that Gennady Pliev is a terrorist. “Pliev Gennady, as many other young people of South Ossetia, was defending his Motherland. He is neither a criminal nor a terrorist. He is a soldier who has been following his duty to earn the living of his family. He is descent citizens from a good family. Such terms as terrorist or a criminal in his case are just unacceptable”, concluded Chigoev. To remind, Gennady Pliev (1976), a South Ossetian citizen, was abducted at approximately 7 a.m., 4 January, in the Shanghai suburbs of Tskhinval, close to the border with Georgia.
