PRESS STATEMENT ON ABKHAZIA (GEORGIA) BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

PRESS STATEMENT ON ABKHAZIA (GEORGIA) BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is the text of today’s statement to the press by the President of the Security Council, Richard Ryan (Ireland), on events in Abkhazia (Georgia):

Members of the Security Council strongly condemned the attack against a helicopter of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) in Abkhazia (Georgia) on Monday 8 October, which resulted in the death of four observers, two local staff and three crew members.  They offered their condolences to the families of the victims.

Members of the Council stressed that a speedy investigation of the responsibilities involved in the attack is needed.  The perpetrators must be brought to justice.

Members of the Council also underlined the importance of keeping security arrangements of UNOMIG under constant review, in order to ensure the highest possible level of security for the personnel of the Mission.

Members of the Council recalled that it is the primary responsibility of both sides to provide appropriate security conditions for the work of the Mission at all times, pursuant to Security Council resolutions and their mutual obligations, the latest undertaken at Yalta.

Members of the Council will remain fully informed of this matter.

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