A meeting took place in Moscow on August 20 between Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres, during which they discussed topical issues of the Russia-OHCR interaction in overcoming the humanitarian consequences of the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict.

The sides agreed on the need to coordinate input from the international community to comprehensive efforts by Russia to stabilize the situation in the region.

Lavrov thanked the High Commissioner for the delivery to Vladikavkaz of the first batch of humanitarian cargo for conflict victims, including refugees.

Guterres emphasized the readiness of the Office he heads in conjunction with Russia’s Ministry for Emergencies and Federal Migration Service and in cooperation with the relevant authorities to continue rendering necessary humanitarian aid to victims and to assist with the realization of the entire range of their rights, including a voluntary and safe return to their places of permanent residence.

The High Commissioner intends to visit the region and meet victims of the military action of Georgia in order to determine the potential of assistance from the OHCR in tackling humanitarian problems. Guterres has meetings scheduled with the heads of the Emergencies Ministry and Federal Migration Service and with the leadership of North Ossetia-Alania.

The sides agreed to maintain close contacts on the question of further humanitarian activity in the region and of ensuring its maximum effectiveness.