CONCERNED AT RISING TENSIONS, SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES RESTRAINT IN SITUATION BETWEEN GEORGIA AND ABKHAZIA (REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA)
UNITED-NATIONS
Press Release
SG/SM/6846
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CONCERNED AT RISING TENSIONS, SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES RESTRAINT IN
SITUATION BETWEEN GEORGIA AND ABKHAZIA (REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA)
19981218
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__This is the text of a statement issued today by the Spokesman for
Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
We are concerned about the alarming news of sharply rising tensions
between Georgia and Abkhazia (Republic of Georgia). Both sides are
reportedly mobilizing troops and using tough rhetoric. These
developments are particularly regrettable in view of the United
Nations efforts to promote political dialogue and reconciliation. The
escalation of tensions negatively affects the ongoing sixth session of
the Coordinating Council, conducted in Geneva by Liviu Bota, Special
Representative of the Secretary-General for Georgia.
The Secretary-General appeals to both sides to exercise restraint and
to avoid any action which could lead to violence and undermine the
peace-making efforts of the United Nations and the international
community.