DECLARATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

… Serious alarm and concern are caused by the information on aggravation of situation in Georgia. Irresponsible actions of the separatists, supporters of Z. Gamsakhurdia, have brought the country to the edge of civil war. It is an issue of existence of the Georgian statehood.

Politicians have to think better of it and to start dialogue. We express hope that common sense will prevail.

Russia permanently stands for the territorial integrity of Georgia, insists on the settlement of conflicts exclusively by peaceful means.

The violation, from the side of the leadership of Abkhazia, of the Sochi Agreement on Ceasefire in Abkhazia, led to the new bloodshed. Russia condemns the facts of genocide, rude violation of Human Rights; information on the mentioned comes from the zone of the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict. The persons, responsible for such actions, should be held responsible, applying the most severe measures. We are supporting the creation of international tribunal for investigation of such crimes and for punishment of the guilty.

Russia will not leave without assistance tens of thousands of refugees, who are in the difficult situation as a result of the recent events. The instructions have been given to the respective Russian ministries and agencies to take immediate measures on providing necessary support in the evacuation of refugees and supplying them with humanitarian assistance.

The Government of the Russian Federation cannot refrain from expressing concern over inflaming of anti-Russian hysteria in Georgia, terrorist acts, committed against the employees of the Russian Embassy in Tbilisi, against the Russian military personnel and border guards. It should be definitely ended.

The statements, about the participation of Russia in escalating the situation in the Western Georgia, are absurd. Russia has long time ago liberated itself from nonsense of “empire claims” against anyone.

The Government of Russia appeals to all the sides to stop bloodshed, to observe Human Rights. We verify our readiness to facilitate peace settlement in Georgia. The UNO and the CSCE should be more effectively involved in the search of possible resolution. If for guaranteeing the agreements, achieved during negotiations, are necessary to enact Peacekeeping Forces, Russia is ready for this.

Moscow, October 2, 1993.

(The Newspaper “Svobodnaya Gruzya”, No 181, October 3, 1993).