STATEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

The government of the Russian Federation, having considered at its meeting of 20 June of the current year the situation in the North and South (of Ossetia), notes that the escalation of the armed conflict in this region has reached its critical point. The forcible measures, focused on pushing non-Georgian population out of the territory of South Ossetia, grossly violate the human rights. The flow of refugees takes constantly increased character in the North Ossetia which is a part of the Russian Federation, thus posing the immediate threat to the security of Russia.

The Leadership of Georgia unleashed a wide campaign of misinformation among its own population and among the international community. We strongly refute the claims addressed to Russia on aggression against Georgia. During the visit (agreed with the Georgian leadership) of the Deputy Defense Minister of Russia G.G. Kondratyev in the Helicopter regiment in Tskhinvali the fire was open from tanks. Two helicopters opened precautionary fire in return.

If before the similar incidents - like shooting Tskhinvali and the Russian military units deployed there –were attribute to the “Zviadist formations”, which are outside of the control of Georgian leadership, now the Georgian authorities practically admitted that the units of National Guardia, subordinate to the State Council of Georgia, are involved in the armed conflict in South Ossetia.

The government of the Russian federation firmly insists on immediate cease-fire, withdrawal of armed formations of both sides from the crossing line, termination of acts of the terrorist groups and suggests start negotiations between the representatives of Georgia, South Ossetia, Russia and North Ossetia on seeking the political ways for resolution of South Ossetian conflict.

If the parties involved in the conflict ignore these true requirements based on common international norms, the Russian Federation will take all necessary steps for protecting human rights, the life and dignity of region’s population and for restoring the peace and order.

The Government of the Russian Federation intends to inform the UN Secretary General on the situation established in South Ossetia, where there is a threat to the international peace and security, and in case of necessity, the Government of the Russian Federation will make appeal to the UN Security Council.

The citizens of Russia should be aware that the leadership of the country will act reasonably and decisively in order to prevent the conflict from flaming up.

(Newspaper “Rosiiskaya Gazeta” (Russian Newspaper), #, 21 June 1992)