Press release 18 September 2008
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Defence

Sweden to send civilian observers and logistics support to Georgia

The Government decided today that Sweden will contribute personnel and equipment to the EU civilian observer mission in Georgia.

The first Swedish observers will depart for Georgia this week.

The reason for today's decision is that on 1 September, EU heads of state and government decided to send a civilian observer mission to Georgia.

The Swedish group will be made up of personnel from the Folke Bernadotte Academy, the Swedish Rescue Services Agency and the National Police Board. It will consist of some 25 people who will be responsible for heading a field office. The Swedish Rescue Services Agency will send IT and communications equipment and personnel who will be responsible for the installation, set up and maintenance of the mission's communications network. Funding for the mission will come from the development assistance budget.

"It is very important that the EU live up to its commitment of sending a civilian observer mission by 1 October. This will clear the way for the withdrawal of Russian troops in accordance with the Moscow agreement," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.

In all, the EU mission will include some 230 people. Its primary task will be to observe, analyse and report on the parties' compliance with the ceasefire agreement and the subsequent agreements following the armed conflict in Georgia in August 2008.

"Providing Swedish personnel and equipment is an expression of Sweden's commitment to peace and security in the Southern Caucasus. The Swedish personnel taking part in the mission will have an important task in building up the mission and providing reports about the situation on the ground," say Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors and Minister for Justice Beatrice Ask in a joint statement.