Annan Recommends to Extend Mandate of UN Mission in GeorgiaUN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Friday recommended to extend the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia(UNOMIG) for a further period of six months until January 31, 2001.In a report to the Security Council, Annan said no major progress in the framework of the Geneva peace process was achieved during the last six months, but the results of Coordinating Council sessions held on July 11 had opened the prospect for constructive engagement between Georgian and Abkhaz sides. Though domestic considerations always place constraints on political leaders engaged in a conflict settlement process, no progress can be achieved without demonstration of substantial political will from both sides, Annan noted. The Secretary-General called upon both sides to engage fully in the negotiating process within the framework of the parallel strategy proposed by his Special representative, which ensures that time and attention will be given to practical issues of refugee return, security and economic rehabilitation and the fundamental question of Abkhazia's political status. The most critical element of the package is Abkhazia's political status, and if this element is not included in the negotiating process, the entire process may be jeopardized, Annan noted. Both sides, most particularly the Abkhaz side, must muster the political will to engage resolutely in negotiations on the status issue, the U.N. chief stressed. Despite the slow progress, it is evident that UNOMIG continues to play an essential role in the search for a peaceful solution to the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict through its sustained efforts to further the peace process, he said. Annan emphatically reminded the Georgian and Abkhaz sides that the security of UNOMIG military and civilian personnel was primarily their responsibility. UNOMIG was established in 1993 to verify compliance with the 1993 ceasefire agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Abkhaz authorities. Following the signing in May 1994 by the two sides of the Agreement on a Ceasefire and Separation of Forces, the Security Council authorized the increase in UNOMIG's strength and expanded its mandate. The current mandate of UNOMIG expires on July 31, 2000. |
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