SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS RECENT BOMBINGS ON ABKHAZ-CONTROLLED TERRITORY, CALLS

 

FOR ‘IMMEDIATE AND THOROUGH’ INVESTIGATION, MAXIMUM RESTRAINT AMONG PARTIES

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns the recent bombings in the cities of Gagra, Sukhumi and Gali on Abkhaz-controlled territory, as well as in the immediate vicinity of the ceasefire line on Georgian-controlled territory.  All together, the bombings on Abkhaz-controlled territory have left 4 dead and 16 wounded, mostly civilians.  One of those killed was a national staff member of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) and another UNOMIG national staff member is among the wounded.  The Secretary-General calls for an immediate and thorough investigation of the incidents and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

The Secretary-General notes that these incidents have taken place against the background of a sharp increase in tension in the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict.  He calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to refrain from violence and to work together in search for a peaceful and lasting settlement.

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For information media • not an official record