The situation in the Georgian-Ossetian zone of conflict, sharply exacerbated on August 1-2 by a massed mortar attack on residential quarters of Tskhinvali that caused a number of casualties, remains extremely explosive. Wide-scale hostilities between Georgia and South Ossetia are becoming increasingly a real and present threat.

Despite statements made by Georgian leaders about the need to take urgent action to de-escalate tension, the practical actions of Tbilisi belie these declarations. On the evening of August 2 and on the night of August 2-3, Georgia was conducting undisguised troop maneuvers on the approaches to Tskhinvali, and bringing troops and heavy army up to the Georgian-Ossetian zone of conflict.

The Russian side is again expressing the most serious concern over the latest developments in South Ossetia. We are undertaking persistent efforts via diplomatic channels and under the auspices of the Joint Peacekeeping Force in the conflict zone in order to prevent intensification of the military confrontation, to avoid new casualties and damage and to bring the situation back under control.

We consider an immediate resumption of the negotiation process in the Joint Control Commission format extremely important, along with the conduct of urgent working meetings between representatives of the conflicting parties. The course taken by the Georgian side towards dismantling the JCC is in the present conditions particularly counterproductive and dangerous. The OSCE Mission to Georgia should take a more active and clear-cut stance in support of the earliest possible resumption of our joint work.

Signing by the parties of an agreement on nonresumption of hostilities and security guarantees, whose idea was earlier advanced by the OSCE, remains an indisputable priority. The assumption of the relevant obligations under this document would help avert the threat of war in the region by carrying out real confidence-building measures.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the parties to show maximum restraint. They should in the spirit of good will aim their efforts at resolving the crisis situation and preventing its relapses. Russia will continue taking all measures to find mutually acceptable peaceful solutions. Use-of-force scenarios would conclusively thwart all hopes of settling the Georgian-Ossetian conflict.

August 3, 2008