Statement Ministry for Foreign Affairs 08 August 2008
Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt on the situation in Georgia

"The way in which the situation in South Ossetia has deteriorated is cause for profound concern. It is extremely important that all those involved show restraint and play their part in bringing about a political solution," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt in a statement.

"I am particularly concerned about the impact of the conflict on civilians. Georgia and Russia are dangerously close to war and there is a great risk of this spreading to other parts of the Caucasus.

"There have been reports of Russian warplanes having dropped bombs inside Georgia, beyond South Ossetia, and these reports have now been confirmed by various parties. This is cause for great concern. If this is the case, it is a violation of Georgia's territorial integrity. A great responsibility rests on Russia and I expect Russia to act constructively and with restraint.

"It is important that the parties in conflict quickly start to communicate so as to put an end to the use of violence. I give the full support of the Swedish Government to the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, the Foreign Minister of Finland, in the OSCE's efforts to bring about talks between the parties. Sweden has a broad network in the region and good contacts with various actors, and it goes without saying that we will try to use this in the best possible way. A new war in the Caucasus is not in anyone's interests."