Statement Ministry for Foreign Affairs 09 August 2008
Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs

The situation in Georgia

Statement by Carl Bildt, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

"I urge the Russian Federation, Georgia and the separatist South Ossetian and Abkhaz administrations to immediately enter into a cease-fire, in order to stop hostilities. I call upon the parties to agree to direct talks and to cooperate in international efforts to achieve a cease-fire. The suffering of the civilian population must be brought to an immediate end.

"The use of violence contradicts the principles of the Council of Europe and violates commitments to peaceful settlement of conflicts, which are fundamental for achieving the aims of the organisation.

"The territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia must be respected, and all actors on the ground have an obligation to respect the principles of distinction and proportionality, as laid down by international law.

"I deeply deplore the military action taken by the Russian Federation towards Georgia. The reasons cited by the Russian authorities do not justify military action in the territory of Georgia, regardless of whether the action is taken in the province of South Ossetia or in other parts of Georgia.

"I sincerely regret the loss of life among the civilian population as well as among members of the Joint Peace-Keeping Force."