Statement delivered by Mr. Vice Skracic, Minister Counsellor of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations, on the UN Security Council debate on Georgia/South Ossetia (2nd debate).
Croatia would like to reiterate the grave concerns it expressed at last nights open meeting on Georgia with respect to the latest developments in that country. News agencies have given us reports of heavy fighting between Georgian armed forces and the forces of the Georgian region of South Ossetia as well as with Russian armed forces and peacekeepers, near the regional capital of Tskhinvali.
We have taken note with extreme concern reports from both the news media and the Georgian side that Russian armed forces reinforced with tanks and other military equipment have crossed into the Georgian territory of South Ossetia and possibly elsewhere. Although we understand and welcome Russia's role as peacekeepers and their call for a cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomacy, this cannot be a justification for the violation of Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Croatia is particularly concerned with some statements coming from authorities in the region, on the possibility of an outbreak of open war between Georgia and Russia. Public statements informing us that Russia must protect the life and dignity of Russian citizens wherever they are, can have far reaching ramifications not limited to the present conflict.
Moreover, we note that there is an increasing number of casualties on all sides, including members of Georgia's armed forces and Russian peacekeepers as well as civilians in and around the conflict zone. Croatia strongly believes that the sides should promptly agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and refrain from further acts of provocation, to be followed by a return to the negotiating table.
In this regard, Croatia supports the efforts of the European Union from 8 August on the need to establish an immediate ceasefire in the conflict zone, as well as the efforts of the OSCE and others to this same end. We support the ongoing activities of the OSCE in this region of Georgia, including if appropriate as a possible mediator between the sides.
Let me conclude, Mr. President, as some other delegations did at last night's meeting on this subject, and as was also expressed by the Secretary General and the President of the General Assembly, that Croatia would welcome the observance of the Olympic Truce by all sides, as was urged for in the consensus UN GA resolution 62/4 from October 2007.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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