DECISSION OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE OSCE PARLIAMENT ASSSEMBLY on setting of Ad Hoc committeee on Abkhazia, Georgia

(Approved by Standing Committee – 23 February 2001)

Recalling the resolutions of the Parliamentary Assembly on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia;

Emphasizing the importance of the implementation of the numerous UN Security Council Resolutions and the OSCE Summits Documents,

Welcoming the major contributions that the UN continues to make in finding a solution to the conflict,

Reaffirming that the conflict must be settled according to the recognized principles of International Law, and the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, and as provided by the decisions and resolutions of the OSCE Budapest and Lisbon Summits, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and relevant CIS Bodies with full respect for the territorial integrity of Georgia and guaranteeing wide autonomy for Abkhazia, and providing remedies for ethnic cleansing "the mass destruction and forcible expulsion of predominantly Georgian population" committed in Abkhazia, Georgia as stated by the Budapest, Lisbon and Istanbul Summits of the OSCE,

Deeply concerned about the possibility of the drastic deterioration of the already volatile situation in the conflict zone and the risk of renewed conflict if the large numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons are not able to return to their homes in security and with dignity,

Noting the request of the Georgian OSCE PA Delegation to the Standing Committee of the OSCE PA,

The Standing Committee of the OSCE PA decides to establish an AD Hoc Committee on the Abkhazia, Georgia and mandates it to:

Promote the creation of a broader political framework in which a peaceful and just settlement, as well as the stability in Georgia and unity of the State can be achieved on the basis OSCE principles and commitments,

Maintain a visible OSCE presence throughout the area, promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, assist in the development of the legal and democratic institutions and processes, provide advice to the Parties to the conflict on elaboration of legal, political and constitutional framework for the speedy resolution of this frozen conflict and propose recommendations to all parties involved in the conflict resolution process how to prevent similar conflicts from occurring in the future,

Find out reasons why numerous resolutions adopted by a number of major International organizations, including of OSCE and its Parliamentary Assembly, are not fulfilled and set priorities for the remedy of this sad tendency,

Tasks the Ad Hoc committee to report on a regular basis about its activities, existing situation in the region and submit appropriate recommendations to the OSCE PA.

In order to effectively fulfill this mandate and to avoid duplication of the activities of the structures, the Committee, while visiting the area, will work in close co-operations with other institutions, and particular, with the OSCE and UN Missions in Georgia.

(Archive of the OSCE Mission to Georgia)