Head of OSCE Mission to Georgia meets Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in Tskhinvali

TSKHINVALI, 15 September 2008 - The Head of the OSCE Mission to Georgia, Ambassador Terhi Hakala, met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Tskhinvali today.

"We discussed the access of OSCE Military Monitoring Officers to South Ossetia and the need for restrictions to be lifted on freedom of movement of the OSCE Mission as well as the possibility of reopening the OSCE Field Office in Tskhinvali," said Hakala. "I emphasised the need to protect the civilian population in war-affected areas and the need for humanitarian aid to be delivered as soon as possible."

In Tskhinvali, Hakala also visited the premises of the OSCE Field Office and met local employees. The OSCE Field Office in Tskhinvali was evacuated on 8 August.