DECLARATION on measures for a political
settlement of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict
1. The third round of negotiations on a
comprehensive settlement of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict took place from 22 to
25 February
2. The negotiations were held in accordance with
the Security Council resolutions 849 (1993) of 9 July 1993, 854 (1993) of 6
August 1993, 858 (1993) of 24 August 1993, 876 (1993) of 19 October 1993, 881
(1993) of 4 November 1993, 892 (1993) of 22 December 1993, 896 (1994) of 31
January 1994, 901 (1994) of 4 March 1994 and 906 (1994) of 25 March 1994.
3. By signing this declaration, the sides have
committed themselves to a strict formal cease-fire from this date and also
reaffirm their commitment to the non-use of force or threat of the use of force
against each other pursuant to the Communiquй of
4. The sides have agreed and signed a
quadripartite agreement, a copy of which is attached to the present
Declaration, on the voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons. The
agreement ensures the return of refugees and displaced person in accordance
with existing international practice, including the practice of the UNHCR.
A special commission on refugees/displaced
persons, which shall include representatives of the sides, the UNHCR, the
5. The sides reaffirm their request for the early
deployment of a peacekeeping operation and for the participation of a Russian
military contingent in the United Nations peacekeeping force, as stated in the
Memorandum of Understanding of
The realization of the peacekeeping operation
should also promote the safe return of refugees and displaced persons.
The sides call on again the United Nations
Security Council to expand the mandate of the United Nations Observers’
6. Abkhazia has its own Constitution and
legislation and appropriate state symbols, such as anthem, emblem and flag.
7. The sides discussed the issues on distribution
of powers respecting the fact that any agreement on this issue is part of a
comprehensive settlement and will only be fulfilled when the final settlement
of the conflict is reached.
At this stage, the sides have reached mutual
understanding regarding the authority for joint action in the following fields:
a) Foreign policy and forging economic relations;
b) Border-guard arrangements;
c) Customs;
d) Energy, transport and communication;
e) Ecology and elimination of the consequences of
natural disasters;
f) Ensuring human and civic rights and freedoms
and the rights of national minorities.
8. The sides to make continuous efforts in order
to achieve a comprehensive settlement.
The sides will set up an appropriate committee,
which will work on a standing basis, respecting the decisions of the Security
Council under the chairmanship of the United Nations, with participation of
representatives of the CSCE and the
9. The sides agreed to carry out additional
measures aimed at search for missing persons and the reburial of the deceased.
10. Based on the principle of inevitability of
punishment of persons, those who committed war crime and crime against
humanity, as well as other heavy crimes, and as it is determined by
international and national law - the sides agreed to intensify the
investigation of such crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Inevitable punishment shall also be resorted
against the persons who try or will try to undermine the peace process in
Abkhazia by using the arms.
For the Georgian side: J. Ioseliani
For the Abkhaz side: S. Dzhindzholia
From the United Nations: E. Brunner
From the
From the Conference on Security and Cooperation in
(www.un.org/docs)