Annex 1 To Protocol #7 of the JCC Session dated February 13, 1997

DECISION OF THE JOINT CONTROL COMMISSION (JCC) FOR THE GEORGIAN-OSSETIAN CONFLICT SETTLEMENT On Activities of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces in the Zone of the Georgian-Ossetian Conflict

July 13, 1997, Vladikavkaz

The the JCC, having heard the report of the Commander of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces (JPKF) in the zone of Georgian-Ossetian conflict, Major general V. Nikolayev, as well as co-reports of chief military commanders of Georgian and Ossetian parties, colonel R. R. Gurgenidze and R. Dzantiev, respectively, as well as the Deputy Mission Chief of the OSCE in Georgia, Major General R. Kharmoza, came to the conclusion that the peacemaking forces still continue to be the most important guarantor of keeping peace and safe life of the population in the zone

The situation in the zone of conflict, at the present time, is moving towards further stability. Crimes and incidents that took place during the previous year had not political but rather criminal nature. Mutual cooperation between the law enforcement entities of the parties continued, that, together with the Commander of the JPKF took practical actions for normalization of the situation in the zone of conflict. Positive contribution to the positive processes was made by the Mission of the OSCE in Georgia.

The JCC wants to note with great satisfaction that at the session of the workgroup of the JCC on peacemaking forces held on February 4, 1997, it was recognized that it is important to transfer the functions of keeping law and order in the zone of conflict from the peacemaking forces to the law enforcement entities, on a gradual basis. Positive is the fact that the parties agreed to accelerate the development of the mutual document on cooperation of law enforcement entities pursuant to article 4,5. of the Memorandum on actions to be taken for providing security and safety , and strengthening mutual confidence between the parties to the Georgian-Ossetian conflict. The parties confirmed that it would be prohibited to establish net military formations (remilitarization) n the zone of conflict.

The JCC Resolved:

1. For the purpose of efficient resolution of the issues related to the practical implementation of the provision of the Memorandum, the Commander of the JPKF, in coordination with the military commanders of the parties, shall make decisions on dislocation of pickets (outposts) and posts after their approval at the JCC.

2. Approve the proposals of the Commander of the JPKF, within the period of February 15 to March 1, 1997, to reduce pickets and posts in the following units:

Boloti, Akhalubani, Eredvi, Sakorintlo, Knolevi, Avnevi, Argvitsi, Tsnelisi, Knaleti, Artsevi, Monasteri, Zemo-Keri and Khelchua.

In the area of the settlement of Sunisi, within the same period of time, put tripartite military observers and the division of the Russian battalion of the JPKF.

3. Support the intention of the parties to reduce on the coordinated basis and as an expression of the good will, the quantity of the personnel of the Georgian and Ossetian battalions.

4. Prior to March 15, 1997, the parties should develop a mutual document on cooperation of law enforcement entities in the zone of conflict.

5. Ask the Government of Russia to resolve the issue of regular financing of the Ossetian battalion of the JPKF.

6. Accelerate the process of staffing the Ossetian battalion from the drafted military persons.

7. The parties shall provide the Georgian and Ossetian battalions with the means of communication.

On behalf of the Russian side

On behalf of the Georgian side

On behalf of the South Ossetian Side

On behalf of the North Ossetian side

In the presence of: the OSCE Mission

(Archive of the Staff of the State Minister of Georgia for Conflict Resolution Issues/in Russian)