EU verwelkomt rapport over toedracht conflict in Georgië (en)

Today, Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini, Head of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia (IIFFMCG), presented the results of the investigation conducted by the IIFFMCG to representatives of Georgia, the Russian Federation, the European Union, the United Nations and the OSCE.

The European Union wishes to express its appreciation to Ambassador Tagliavini, and to the entire staff of the IIFFMCG, for the work accomplished under complex and challenging circumstances.

The EU welcomes the presentation of this report and takes note of its content. Underlining the independent nature of the report, the EU hopes that its findings can contribute towards a better understanding of the origins and the course of last year's conflict and, in a broader perspective, serve as an input to future international efforts in the field of preventive diplomacy.

The EU also recalls that a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflicts in Georgia must be based on full respect for the principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as recognised by international law, including the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Note: The IIFFMCG announced its intention to publish the text of the report on the Internet ( www.ceiig.ch ) on 30 September in the afternoon.

Background

The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia

The Council decision of 2 December 2008 enabled the establishment of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia (IIFFMCG). The aim of the fact-finding mission has been to investigate the origins and the course of the conflict, including with regard to international law, humanitarian law and human rights.

Ms. Heidi Tagliavini, a Swiss diplomat and former head of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia, was appointed head of the mission. The mission, based in Geneva, started its work on 2 December 2008.

The mission’s mandate originally covered the period 2 December 2008 - 31 July 2009. The mandate was subsequently extended by two months.

The report itself provides further details on the procedures of the Fact-Finding Mission

The role of the EU

After playing a key role in the ceasefire agreements of 12 August and 8 September 2008, the European Union has spearheaded the efforts of the international community aimed at the stabilisation and normalisation of the post-conflict situation in Georgia. On 15 September 2008, the Council launched the European Monitoring Mission in Georgia and appointed an EUSR for the crisis in Georgia.

The EU is committed to Georgia’s security and stability, based on full respect for the principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflicts in Georgia. This commitment is tangible in several ways, notably:

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  the continued presence on the ground of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM Georgia) in order to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreements of 12 August and 8 September 2008, to contribute to the stabilisation and the normalisation of the situation in the areas affected by the war, and to observe compliance with human rights and the rule of law;
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  the leading role played by the EU, together with the UN and the OSCE, as co-Chair of the Geneva talks, where vital security and humanitarian issues arising from the conflict are substantially addressed;
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  the increased financial assistance pledged by the EU in the framework of the International Donors' Conference on 22 October 2008 aimed at post-conflict rehabilitation, support of internally displaced persons (IDP) and economic stability.