DECISION TAKEN BY THE COUNCIL OF THE HEADS OF SATES OF THE COMMONWELATH OF INDEPENDENT STATES on Implementation of the Measures for Conflict Settlement in Abkhazia, Georgia

The Council of the heads of States of the Commonwealth of Independent States,

Confirming its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia,

Taking note of the Declaration of Lisbon Summit of the Heads of OSCE member-States (December 1996) condemning the “ethnic cleansing” resulting in mass destruction and forcible expulsion of predominantly Georgian population in Abkhazia”, as well as obstruction of the return of refugees and displaced persons,

Being guided by the provisions set up in the “Memorandum on Peacekeeping and Stability in The Commonwealth of Independent States” (Almaty, 10 February 1995) and Declaration of the Council of the heads of States of the Commonwealth of Independent States (Minsk, 26 May 1995) on elimination of separatism as the most important prerequisite for stability in the Caucasus and regulation of conflicts in this region,

Condemning the position of the Abkhaz side obstructing the implementation of agreement on political regulation of the conflict in Abkhazia, Georgia and return of refugees and displaces persons to the places of their residence,

Noting that the measures undertaken pursuant to the Decision of 19 January 1996 on conflict settlement in Abkhazia, Georgia have considerably encouraged the process of negotiations,

Noting also with concern the failure by the sides to solve their differences on key problems of the conflict settlement, including on the political status of Abkhazia, Georgia.  Deeply concerned at subversive and terrorist acts in Gali region and continued violation of the Agreement on Cease-fire and Separation of Forces of 14 May 1994 victimizing local population, refugees and displaces persons and servicemen of the Collective Force,

The Council of Heads of States  declares, that the member-states of the Commonwealth of independent States:

- will exert every effort to early and comprehensive political settlement of the conflict in Abkhazia, Georgia, return of refugees and displaces persons to their places of residence;

-  will continue implementation of the Decision taken by the council of the Heads of States of the Commonwealth of Independent States of 19 January 1996 “On Measures for Regulation the Conflict in Abkhazia, Georgia” and reinforce the control on its realization;

- will continue full support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognizes borders;

Expressing its deep concern at unsolved political and humanitarian problems emerged in the course of conflict, the Council of the Heads of States of the Commonwealth of Independent States  calls upon the CIS member-states an the world community to continue humanitarian assistance to the regions affected in time of war.

Done at Moscow 28 March 1997 in one original copy in Russian language…

Signed by the Heads of States of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

The Document hasn’t been signed by the Republic of Belarus and Turkmenistan.

(www.un.org/russian)