OSCE Chairman condemns shooting of Georgian policemen in zone of Georgian-Ossetian conflict

MADRID, 26 March 2007 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, expressed his deep concern today about Sunday's fatal shooting of two Georgian policemen in the Didmukha area in the west of the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict.

"I condemn this serious attack and am deeply concerned about the heightened tension in the zone of conflict as a result of an increasing number of recent incidents," said Minister Moratinos, offering condolences to the families of the deceased.

"These circumstances are a regrettable reminder of the urgency for a meaningful dialogue between the sides. I call upon them to intensify the political negotiation process, building upon last week's informal meeting of the Co-chairmen of the Joint Control Commission in Istanbul."

Minister Moratinos said all sides needed to act responsibly to help stabilize the situation in the zone of conflict, and refrain from any actions or statements which would enflame the situation further.