VZCZCXYZ0008
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #8163 2830207
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 090203Z OCT 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 3440
INFO UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUEHRL/AMEMBASSY BERLIN IMMEDIATE 7442
RUEHSI/AMEMBASSY TBILISI IMMEDIATE 8883
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA IMMEDIATE 4201

UNCLAS STATE 108163 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: UNSC GG RU PREL
SUBJECT: INSTRUCTION ON GEORGIA - GUIDANCE ON UNOMIG 
CONSULTATIONS 
 
REF: STATE 107889 
 
¶1.  (SBU) This is an action request:  USUN is authorized 
to respond to comments made to the Security Council during 
UNOMIG consultations on October 9, 2008 drawing on the 
guidance below.  The Department understands that there 
will not be debate, statements, or explanations of vote 
during the UNOMIG consultations or the subsequent vote 
on UNOMIG's extension (reftel). 
 
BEGIN GUIDANCE 
-------------- 
 
-- The United States would like to thank the Secretary- 
General for his report on UNOMIG and for his efforts to 
resolve the situation in Georgia.  I would also like to 
thank Assistant Secretary General Mulet and SRSG Verbeke 
for their efforts and for their briefings this morning. 
Today I would like to make three points. 
 
-- First, the United States supports the Secretary Generals 
recommendation for a continuing UN role throughout 
Georgia and endorses the SYGs recommendation that the 
Security Council extend the mandate of the UNOMIG Mission 
for four months.  We have circulated a German drafted 
resolution, which would extend the current UNOMIG mandate 
on a technical basis until February 15.  We hope this 
resolution can be adopted today without debate. 
 
-- We acknowledge that the Council will need to review the 
proper role for the UN in Georgia at sometime in the 
future.  However we do not want to get out in front of the 
Geneva talks and the further discussions planned by Mr. 
Verbeke and the SYG with interested parties.  We look 
forward to receiving the next report of the SYG before 
February 15, 2009. 
 
-- Second, a continued UN role of some kind in Georgia is 
important -- particularly to address human rights and 
humanitarian issues, and the needs of internally displaced 
persons.  The SYGs Humanitarian Assessment Mission to 
South Ossetia noted in its report that the protection of 
civilians and creating conditions for return and durable 
solutions for the most vulnerable populations was the most 
urgent humanitarian concern.  It is also imperative that the 
UN continue to assess and investigate human rights abuses in 
South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and the adjacent areas. 
 
-- Although the Humanitarian Assessment Mission has not 
been granted access to the areas adjacent to South Ossetia 
and Abkhazia to date, they have received reliable reports 
of looting, intimidation, and forced displacement. 
 
-- Unfettered access to these areas is essential for the 
Humanitarian Mission to best assist those in need. We 
agree with the Missions conclusion that open access to 
South Ossetia from the South (i.e. Georgia) is necessary 
to provide humanitarian relief. 
 
-- In addition, unfettered access may improve 
communication between the Mission, local authorities and 
other international elements in Georgia.  Moreover, and as 
the SYG report notes, UNOMIGs presence in other areas of 
Georgia has helped to reassure the local population with 
regard to their safety and security. 
 
-- Third, the United States welcomes the participation of 
the UN, through the participation of Mr. Verbeke, in the 
Geneva talks.  The Geneva talks are the appropriate forum 
for discussion of security concerns, including human security, 
among all the parties. 
 
-- The United States looks forward to participating in the 
talks and we have confidence that the three co-chairs of 
the Geneva talks will be able to find a suitable format 
and agenda. 
 
Department Point of Contact 
--------------------------- 
 
¶2. (U) USUN should provide updates and seek additional 
guidance if necessary.  Department's point of contact is 
IO/UNP K.G. Moore, 202-647-0042, 
moorekg@state.gov. 
RICE