PROTOCOL # 39 OF THE CO-CHAIRMEN MEETING OF THE JOINT CONTROL COMMISSION (JCC) ON GEORGIAN-OSSETIAN CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Tbilisi, 20 October 2004

Agenda:

1. On implementation of JCC decisions of September 30 – October 2 2004 on ceasefire, withdrawal of illegal armed units, measures for further stabilization of the situation in the conflict zone;

2. On preparation of a meeting between Z. Zhvania and E. Kokoity;

3. On economic rehabilitation of the conflict zone;

4. Miscellaneous.

Resolution:

1. On implementation of JCC decisions on ceasefire, withdrawal of illegal armed units, measures for further stabilization of the situation in the conflict zone of September 30 – October 2 2004;

(Keniaykin, Khaindrava, Chochiev, Kusov, Nikolaev, Kulakhmetov, Friev, Kiknadze, Fech)

To take note of the information provided by JPKF Commander Major General M. Kulakhmetov (enclosed) and senior military chiefs from the JPKF sides, also by the OSCE senior military advisor about progress in implementing JCC decisions of September 30 – October 2 2004.

The sides state that certain work has been done for stabilization of the situation, withdrawal of illegal armed units and armament from the conflict zone, in line with JCC decisions. The sides note with satisfaction competent actions of the JPKF Joint Command for stepping up interaction between åðó three peacekeeping battalions. In close contact with the parties in conflict, JPKF also takes other measures to stabilize the situation in the conflict area.

In the same time, tension remains in the conflict zone. The reason is the failure to fully implement JCC decisions of September 30-October 2.

Unfortunately, the ceasefire is not fully observed: there are regular skirmishes in the conflict zone.

Particular concern is caused by a whole series of provocations against JPKF militaries, which have led to deaths and injuries among them for the first time in many years.

The JCC Co-chairmen especially stress the killing of two militaries of the Ossetian peacekeeping battalion. The Russian, North Ossetian and South Ossetian JCC Co-chairmen address the Georgian JCC Co-chairman with a demand for comprehensive investigation with a view of revealing and punishing the perpetrators (the address is enclosed).

The sides decide as follows:

1.1. The sides in conflict and the JPKF Joint Command to work more actively for implementing JCC decisions of September 30-October 2 2004.

1.2. The sides to take all necessary measures for investigating the deaths and injuries of JPKF militaries, punishing the perpetrators and reporting to JCC accordingly.

1.3. The JPKF Joint Command to immediately inform the JCC Co-chairmen about all violations of ceasefire in the conflict zone.

1.4. JCC calls all sides in conflict to resolve the issue of repatriation of property belonging to JPKF.

2. On preparation of a meeting between Z. Zhvania and E. Kokoity;

(Keniaykin, Khaindrava, Chochiev, Kusov)

To take note of the information provided by V. Keniaykin and T. Kusov on the work done for preparation of the meeting between Z. Zhvania and E. Kokoity. The sides note that this meeting is of particular importance for de-escalation of the situation in the conflict zone and settlement of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict. The JCC welcomes the parties’ readiness to hold the meeting in Sochi in the period before November 10 2004.

3. On economic rehabilitation of the conflict zone

(Keniaykin, Khaindrava, Chochiev, Kusov, Anquetil, Vantomme)

Having heard information provided by EC representative J. Vantomme and representative of OSCE Mission to Georgia E. Anquetil, the sides consider it unacceptable to further delay implementation of agreed projects and instruct to hold a meeting of the Organizational Committee in Tskhinvali on October 25 2004.

4. Miscellaneous

(Khaindrava, Chochiev)

4.1. The JCC Working Group within 10 days to finalize its work for agreeing draft Regulation on ‘Thursday meetings’ and present it to JCC Co-chairmen for approval.

4.2. With regard to the JCC Newsletter, to arrange for a meeting of coeditors and journalists in Tskhinvali on October 22.

4.3. With regard to the debt to Ugosetenergo for electrical power supplied to South Ossetian villages with prevailing Georgian population, to hold a meeting of representatives of respective agencies on October 22 2004.

JCC Co-chairmen express their gratitude to the Embassy of the Russian Federation to Georgia for having organized the meeting.

V. Keniaykin,

Meeting Chair, Russian Co-chairman of the JCC

(Archive of the OSCE Mission to Georgia)