PROTOCOL OF THE MEETING OF THE GEORGIAN AND ABKHAZIAN SIDES on issues of stabilization of the situation on the line dividing the sides

The sides confirm again their statements on cessation of the armed conflict and undertake not to use force for the resolution of any disputed issues based on the Agreement on Cease-fire and Separation of Forces as of 14 May 1994.

All emerging disputes will be resolved by peaceful ways only with the assistance of the United Nations, OSCE, CIS, and the Russian Federation.

The sides agreed to:

1. Bring in balance with the 14 May 1994 Moscow Agreement the number of armed formations and armaments in the Security and Restricted Armament Zones.

UN military observers and the CIS CPKF will monitor the implementation of this paragraph together with the sides.

2. Complete precision of the line of separation of the armed formations in the vicinity of the villages Nabakevi-Khurcha and Otobaia-Ganmukhuri.

The sides undertake to study and resolve the mentioned problem before 1 October 1998. Until the problem is resolved, a provisional checkpoint of the CIS CPKF jointly with the sides will be established between them ensuring observation of the cease-fire.

3. For the purposes of urgent resolution of the issues in cases of origination of conflicting situations in the Security Zone, urgent contacts between heads of administrations of Gali and Zugdidi districts shall be established, as well as between leaders of armed formations of the sides in the vicinity of the villages Nabakevi-Khurcha and Otobaia-Ganmukhuri.

4. Law enforcement bodies of the sides will interact on issues of prevention of terrorist and subversive activities.

5. General prosecutors of Abkhazia and Georgia will set up working groups, which will elaborate and approve before 1 October 1998 regulations of joint investigation of criminal cases involving terrorist and subversive acts committed in the Security Zone.

On behalf of the Georgian side: V. Lordkipanidze, K. Targamadze, J. Gakhokidze, J. Babilashvili, D. Tevzadze

On behalf of the Abkhazian side: S. Bagapsh, A. Kchach, A. Tarba, A. Jergenia, S. Mikanba

On behalf of the CIS CPKF: S. Korobko

On behalf of the United Nations: L. Bota

24 September 1998

(Abkhaz Issue in Official Documents, Legislative and Executive organs of Georgia, International Organizations, 1989-1999, part II, 1995-1999; authors: Vakhtang Kholbaia, Teimuraz Chakhrakia, Rafiel Gelantia, David Latsuzbaia, Tb., 2000, p.258/in Georgan)