Ossetia-Georgia: the six principles of the ceasefire

After a round trip Tbilisi - Moscow - Tbilisi, by the French (and European) mediation mission, here are the six principles approved by the two parties (Russian and Georgian) for a ceasefire in Georgia - Ossetia - Abkhazia.


(1) Do not use force;
(2) Cease hostilities permanently;
(3) Provide free access to humanitarian aid;
(4) The Georgian military forces shall withdraw to their usual place of cantonment;
(5) The Russian military forces must withdraw to the lines prior to the outbreak of hostilities. Pending an international mechanism, the Russian peacekeeping forces will implement additional security measures ;
(6) Opening of international discussions on security and stability arrangements in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Comment: make no mistake about it, point 5 allows the Russians (the peacekeeping forces) to stay in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, or even to reinforce themselves there.

(NGV)

Photo credit: Pfue, Nicolas Sarkozy and Medvedev in Moscow