PROTOCOL OF THE MEETING OF THE EXPERT’S GROUPS OF THE PLENIPOTENTIARY DELEGATIONS OF THE SIDES IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE NEGOTIATIONS PROCESS ON BROAD SCALE SETTLEMENT OF THE GEORGIAN-OSSETIAN CONFLICT.

On February 16-17, 1999, in the city of Vladikavkaz took place the meeting of the experts’ groups of the plenipotentiary delegations of the sides in the framework of the negotiations process on broad scale settlement of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict (the list of participants is attached).

At the meeting were discussed the proposals of the sides on broad scale settlement of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, including the possibility to elaborate the Interim document that can become an important stage on this way.

Having recognized the essential difference in existing positions and supporting the idea of elaboration of Interim Document, were expressed opinions on necessity to find common acceptable decisions, were agreed the specific provisions that can become the basis of the next document.

The sides agreed on the following:

1. To have regular meetings of the experts’ groups.

2. As there is an interconnection of processes of political settlement and economic restoration and development in the conflict zone, to recommend to the heads of the plenipotentiary delegations immediately to start realization of the decision of the Georgian and the South Ossetian sides on creation of the joint experts’ group with a purpose of conducting work in the format of multilateral negotiations process on formation of the respective normative basis, regulating the functioning of mechanisms of restoration and development of the economy of the districts that suffered during the Georgian-Ossetian conflict.

3. To adopt a statement to the press (attached).

4. The next meeting of the experts’ groups shall take place in April 1999. The place of the meeting will be determined upon the agreement of the sides.

The participants of the meeting expressed deep gratitude to the leadership of the Republic North Ossetia-Alania for the creation of the ideal conditions for the meeting.

On behalf of the Georgian side (signed)

On behalf of the South-Ossetian side (signed)

On behalf of the Russian side (signed)

On behalf of the North-Ossetian side (signed)

On behalf of the OSCE (signed)

(Archive of the Staff of the State Minister of Georgia on Conflict Settlement)