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DE RUEHC #1916 0410032
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 100017Z FEB 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0000
INFO UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS IMMEDIATE 0000
RUEHSI/AMEMBASSY TBILISI IMMEDIATE 0000
RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE IMMEDIATE 0000

UNCLAS STATE 011916 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: UNSC PREL GG
SUBJECT: GEORGIA - GUIDANCE FOR FEBRUARY 10 SECURITY 
COUNCIL CONSULTATIONS 
 
REF: STATE 6467 
 
¶1. (U) This is an action request:  USUN is instructed to draw 
from the points below during the UN Security Council 
consultations on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia scheduled 
for February 10, 2009. 
 
¶2. (U) Begin points: 
 
-- The United States would like to thank the Secretary 
General for his report on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia 
and for his other efforts to address the conflict in Georgia. 
 
-- The United States would also like to thank Special 
Representative Verbeke for his briefing today and for his 
effective work as an arbiter and strategic thinker as we 
continue to work towards a comprehensive and durable 
resolution of the conflict in the separatist regions of 
Georgia. 
 
-- The United States welcomes the Secretary General,s 
recommendation for a continued UN presence in Abkhazia, 
Georgia and his call for the establishment of a comprehensive 
new mandate for a future UN mission in Georgia. 
 
-- An international presence in Georgia is important and the 
UN should continue to play a critical role in monitoring the 
parties to the conflict.  By permitting the current UN 
mission to continue its work, we avoid de-stabilizing the 
region as the international community works to develop a new 
mandate for the mission.  Over the next four months, we must 
design a mandate that will address security, stability, and 
humanitarian concerns, including the rights of the internally 
displaced persons who tragically still cannot return to their 
homes because the security situation remains unsettled. 
 
-- The conflict in Georgia is not resolved and the security 
situation remains tenuous. Within the UN mission's current 
area of responsibility alone, crime is on the rise, shootings 
on both side of the ceasefire line are a common occurrence 
and the buildup of heavy artillery on the northern side of 
the ceasefire line continues unabated.  Several Georgian 
policemen have been killed  by high-caliber sniper rifles and 
local populations on the Abkhaz side are routinely harassed 
by Abkhaz and Russian security forces.  Russian forces still 
have not withdrawn to pre-August 7 positions as called for 
under the August 12 and September 8 ceasefire agreements.  To 
the contrary, they continue to build permanent stations, some 
with heavy artillery, in the conflict zone.  The potential 
for serious escalation remains high.  The safety and security 
of international monitors also remain at risk. 
 
-- To best address the security situation and provide 
transparency to all parties, the future UN mission mandate 
should include responsibility for monitoring security zones 
that cover both sides of the ceasefire line and weapons 
restricted zones.  Full access and freedom of movement for 
international monitors, in consultation with local 
authorities, should also be explicit in the revised mandate. 
The mission,s mandate should be tied to the August 12 and 
September 8 ceasefire agreements, which the United States 
fully endorses. 
 
-- Communication among all monitors and security forces must 
also be enhanced.  While the current UN mission has good 
communication with the local population where it is permitted 
to patrol, improved communication between the Mission and the 
parties to the conflict is critical.  We would like to 
highlight the recent MOU signed by the EUMM and Government of 
Georgia on notification of troop movements as a practical 
example that Abkhaz and Russian forces could emulate. 
 
-- Our reports indicate that an international presence such 
as the UN, EUMM and OSCE has helped to reassure the local 
population with regard to their safety and security. 
Humanitarian concerns, however, are of paramount importance. 
We continue to receive credible reports of human rights 
violations, and an ability to investigate these reports 
should be an integral part of the UN mission.  We must also 
do better with regard to facilitating the safe and dignified 
return of IDPs.  As with security components of the UN 
mission, unfettered access for humanitarian activities is 
critical.  Humanitarian reports underscore this urgent need. 
 
 
-- The United States looks forward to participating in Geneva 
talks when they resume next week (February 17-18).  We remain 
hopeful that the talks will produce practical results, and 
echo the call of the Secretary General for the parties to 
intensify their efforts and to make constructive progress on 
security, stability and humanitarian issues.  The Geneva 
Process is the appropriate forum for Georgia, Russia, 
separatist Abkhazia and separatist South Ossetia - the 
parties to this conflict - to work together on these and 
other issues. 
-- IF RAISED:  A Security Council meeting is not the 
appropriate venue to hear from the separatists.  Last August 
the Council "heard no objection against considering with an 
open mind the request by South Ossetia and Abkhazia (de facto 
leaders) to be heard by the Council at an opportune moment 
and under a formula to be decided."  The United States 
continues to believe that the opportune moment and 
formulation for separatist leader participation in talks 
regarding the conflict in Georgia is via the Geneva Process. 
 
-- Above all, the civilians of the region continue to be the 
victims in this conflict.  Their futures depend on our 
ability to act effectively now.  We must commit ourselves to 
hasten the pace of negotiations and to reach a comprehensive 
and durable resolution that addresses the needs of those 
affected by the conflict and also protects Georgia,s 
territorial integrity. 
 
-- Thank you. 
CLINTON