PROTOCOL OF THE FIFTH 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

On April 22-23, 2001 in the city of Vladikavkaz took place the fifth 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 with mediation of the Russian Federation and with participation of the representatives of the Republic North Ossetia-Alania and the OSCE (the list of participants is attached).

The participants of the meeting discussed the situation of the negotiations process and the situation in the conflict zone.

The participants agreed that the signing of Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of Georgia on cooperation in the restoration of economy in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone and return of refugees of December 23, 2000 and activation of work of the JCC on settlement of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict gave new impetus to the negotiations process, creation of confidence and cooperation between the sides.

The sides stressed that the endeavors taken in the frame of JCC, directed to the improvement of activity of Joint Peacekeeping forces and improvement of cooperation between the Law enforcement bodies of the sides are facilitating the maintenance of stability in the conflict zone.

It was mentioned that in the framework of the JCC is going on work on preparation of drafts of inter-state programs: a) On cooperation in the restoration of economy in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone; b) On return, settlement, integration and re-integration of refugees. The realization of the mentioned programs is directed to formation of facility social-economic background for development of peace process, relations of cooperation and mutual understanding between the sides.

The participants of the meeting emphasized the active participation of international organizations in the negotiations process and realization of rehabilitation projects in the conflict zone.

The participants declare that the dynamics of development of the situation creates new circumstances for discussion of various issues, related with the problem of settlement, first of all, creation of confidence building measures, cooperation in the field of economic restoration in the conflict zone and elaboration of political aspects of the process of settlement of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict.

The sides agreed on the following:

1. To organize consultations between the sides of the negotiations process, with a purposes of preparation in tow months period of the draft document, reflecting possible approaches to the solution of the above-mentioned issues, related with the problem of settlement of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, for its further discussion at the next meeting of the experts’ groups.

1. To organize the next 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 in the second decade of July 2001. The issue of the place of the meeting will be settled by the sides till June 1st, 2001 after the additional consultations.

The participants of the meeting express gratitude to the leadership of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania for organization of the ideal conditions of work of the delegations.

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 to Georgia on Conflict Settlement)