PROTOCOL ON THE MEETING OF THE GEORIGAN AND ABKHAZ SIDES

Due to the recent threat of destabilization of the situation in the conflict zone, the sides reaffirmed their commitments on non-use of force.

The side agreed upon the following issues:

1. In accordance with the Protocol of 24 September 1998 within the next 10 days, both sides will work out the plan and withdraw their forces on necessary distance from the Cease-fire Line in Khurcha-Nabakevi (Mr. K. Targamadze will be responsible from the Georgian side, Mr. A. Kchach will be responsible from the Abkhaz side).

Both the CIS PKF and the UNOMIG together with the representatives of the sides will control this process.

2. Along with the agreed withdrawal, the CIS PKF together with the representatives of both sides will start patrolling the area along the Cease-fire Line in Khurcha-Nabakevi area.

The CIS PKF will patrol Khurcha village with the Georgian side and in Nabakevi village with the Abkhaz side.

3. By 27 December 1998, the communication agencies of the sides will establish a permanent telephone connection between the Heads of Administration of Gali and Zugdidi districts (Mr. S. Esakia will be responsible from the Georgian side and Mr. E. Pilia will be responsible from the Abkhaz side).

4. The sides will consider the issue of rotation of their forces along the Cease-fire Line.

For the Georgian Side V. Lordkipanidze, K. Targamadze,

V. Kutateladze, D. Pirtskhalaishvili,

For the Abkhaz side S. Bagapsh, A. Kchach, A. Tarba, G. Agrba

From the CIS PKF E. Churaev

From the UNOMIG T. Ghazi

21 December 1998

(Archive of the OSCE Mission in Tbilisi, Gerorgia)