Non Paper
GEORGIA/ABKHAZIA. Elements for a
peaceful settlement of the conflict ("Map of Shteinmeier "- editor)
Tree-phase approach:
First phase: assurances of non-use of force; security guarantees
incl. for the Kodori-valley; general agreement on principle of and continuation
of IDP and refugee return; consideration of international security
arrangements;
Second phase: confidence building by practical projects – to
be initiated by an international donors conference in Berlin; return of IDPs
and refugees; practical cooperation in the fields of security, trade, travel,
selected legal issues, culture and sports under the political status quo;
Third phase: agreed settlement of Abkhazia’s political
status in the framework of internationally mediated, bilateral negotiations.
Phase 1: Guaranteeing security –
laying foundations for an orderly process of refugee and IDP return – beginning
an unconditional dialogue
Both sides refrain from use of or threat of
force and inflammatory rhetoric. They will exchange declarations similar to the
recently drafted ‘Declaration by the Georgian and Abkhaz sides on Security and
Non-resumption of Hostilities (May 2008)’ – possibly together with their
endorsement of this document.
The parties will – drawing as appropriate on
existing bodies – establish a framework for a direct high-level dialogue as
soon as possible e.g. though setting up a permanent steering committee. UNOMIG
and the FSG should participate as facilitators. Other international
organizations can contribute if the parties so agree.
The UN/FSG are ready to consult with the
parties in order to develop appropriate security guarantees including for the
Kodori valley. The parties will convene a working group under the steering
committee to work out the necessary details.
Both sides will consider the implications of
the assurances of non-use of force and security guarantees that they provide in
this phase for existing security arrangements, including a possible deployment
of international police. Should a threat for security arise, existing
mechanisms would be implemented to avoid a military confrontation.
Based on a general acceptance of the right of
return of all IDPs and refugees to Abkhazia as well as the obligation to
safeguard their full range of rights, the parties will agree on the modalities
for their return to their former permanent places of residence in accordance
with relevant agreements and resolutions of the United Nations Council. Details
will be discussed within a working group of the two parties on refugees and
IDRs under steering committee.
Within the initial phase the sides engage in
array of confidence-building and humanitarian measures including those proposed
by the Group of Friends in 2007. Emphasis should be put on ending the embargo
on civilian trade and opening economic opportunities for the Abkhaz to trade
with Georgian and international partners.
The objectives of this initial phase should be
accomplished not later than 15 months from the endorsement of this document.
Phase 2: Confidence-building: Normalizing
life of the communities by trade, good neighbourhood, cultural exchange and
peaceful dispute
In light of progress achieved, an international
conference convened as soon as possible under participation of the EU, the UN,
the OSCE, IFIs as well as interested bilateral donors such as the
Refugees and IDPs continue to return and
reintegrate into their neighbourhoods. Rights of all communities during this
process will be safeguarded by appropriate legal provisions. Details will be
discussed within the working group on refugees and IDPs under the steering
committee.
Conditions will be established for the
liberalization of trade and freedom of movement.
Projects for the rehabilitation and
reconstruction of Abkhazia and areas neighbouring the zone of conflict,
including regional cooperation, will be implemented by a steering committee on
rehabilitation with the participation of international donors.
The parties shall encourage communities where
necessary to work with NGOs to create adequate living conditions as to
schooling, basic inter-ethnic cooperation in administrative issues, and
communal micro-projects. They should be encouraged and supported in cultural
and sports activities.
Phase 3: Agreed settlement of
Abkhazia’s political status
Phase 3 starts on the basis of a joint
assessment by the parties facilitated by the UN/FSG of progress achieved so far
in phases 1 and 2.
A working group is established to work out the
political status of Abkhazia. The group comprises the parties assisted by
international facilitators and guarantors.
The UN Security Council will be asked to
endorse the status agreement, and to monitor its implementation.
An international follow-up conference shall
decide on further support for the reconstruction of Abkhazia. In this context,
the EU may provide some support for the agreement.
30
June 2008
(Parsonal Archive of Paata Zakareishvili)